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.
If you lose your keys it is an ideal idea to make a backup. We have compiled a list on the cost to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, losing or losing the car key was not a big deal. automotive key replacement could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, auto car key replacement are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.
The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.
It's crucial to know the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed close to your car or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and 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 must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
It is essential to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car was opened or altered. This will make it extremely hard to get an exchange, so make sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith uses a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. That way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you'll have access to your car again without having to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your particular car and can ensure that it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can steal keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealership to replace.
If car key replacement have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealer will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that has the same model, year and model as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.