How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.
When you lose your key It is a good idea to have a spare made. To make it easier we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, losing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace lost keys.
The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure.
It's important to identify the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and transmitter to start your car and take it away.
remote car key replacement near me is just a bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and can give you a better rate.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next car. You will be able to figure out what type of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you misplace your keys while at work or running around.
If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will use an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your car.
Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they don't contain electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to get it tow-back at the dealership.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves.
These new keys come in different dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealership to replace.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that's the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.