How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.
If you lose your keys, it is an ideal idea to make a backup. car replacement key have compiled a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more costly to replace keys lost.
The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.
Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip that is used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place.
It's important to identify the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on the car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is great because it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and take it away.
The cost of a new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a standard key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.
A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to break into your own car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe indications that your car was opened or damaged. This can make it very hard to get a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. This makes it easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while at work or doing errands.
If cost of a car key replacement that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will use a machine that appears like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. This way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you have access to your car again without having to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.
Fobs
You might not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you however it's best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
Getting your car key fob replaced could cost up to $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was a pain however, it's now a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure that 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.