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 road.

If you lose your keys it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make this easier, we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and Replacement Car Keys Cost do so at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed to work properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.

It's important to identify the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specialized tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more based on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and take off with it.

The cost of a new transponder keys is typically higher than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to provide you with a more competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

It is essential to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle was opened or altered. This can make it very hard to get an exchange, so make certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to identify whether it's fake or not. They are easy to recognize and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to make you the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car key. So you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and replacement car keys cost program it for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to have it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

You might not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as much as $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car key was a pain however, it's now an actual issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealer would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that is the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.