How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.
It is a good idea to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. To make this easier we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more costly to replace lost keys.
An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer 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 prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe.
There are five distinct types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great because it deters theft. However, replacement key for car near me G28 Car Keys makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and transmitter to turn your car on and take it away.
The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically higher 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 the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will provide you with a better price.
A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
No matter what kind of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle was opened or damaged. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across 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 above. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you misplace your keys while at work or running for errands.
If you have an uncut laser key, you will need to contact an expert locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith uses an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. Then, you can call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are knowledgeable about your specific car, which can ensure it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can steal them. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and 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 get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.
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 company such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.