Why Replacement Car Keys Cost Is Right For You

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This type of key doesn't have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you always have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.

There are five different types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. They are the best option since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key will work with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your car.

It is important to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your car was opened or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to lose or steal than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you misplace your key while you're at work or doing errands.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length.  vehicle key replacement  of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it towed back by the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process but it's generally better to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done correctly.

Getting your car key fob changed can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle however, it's now a major issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, however the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that works in your car and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your 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, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that is the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.