How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.
The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key does not have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.
This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it safe.
There are five different types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type of car key is the transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option because they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that if your keys were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to assist you, especially if they see indications that your vehicle has been altered or forced open. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth on the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or running errands.
If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your car.
Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to get it towed back to the dealership.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Fortunately, key car replacement can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's best to have your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost up to $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 a brand new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience, but now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves.
The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.