How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service. If you lose your keys it is a good idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more costly to replace keys lost. The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to get a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe. There are five different types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. They're not as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware 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 unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the car's make and model. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is near to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it. The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car. Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been altered or opened. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to lose or steal than a key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a particular depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out if you lose your keys while at work or running errands. If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to make you a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key. Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is usually best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed. Getting your car key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen. car key fob replacement of your car key was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves are able to steal keys. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This smart key has a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.
car key fob replacement
