How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key It is recommended to have a spare. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it is much more expensive to replace keys lost.
car keys replacement near me can be the cheapest alternative. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.
There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. They're not as common, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.
The next kind of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with special tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and take off with it.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial that you do not attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to help, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is 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 working or doing around.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to 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 an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car key. Then, you can call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer.
Fobs
You might not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is usually better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
Getting your car key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can take them. The advances in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an extra 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 business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.