How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing emergency car key replacement Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier, we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.
Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.
It is important to determine the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The next kind of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specialized tools that are available to a locksmith or car dealer. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on your car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is close to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter to turn on your car and take it away.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically higher than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and can provide you with a better price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are a bit more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.
It is important that you do not try to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help you out particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been altered or forced open. This can make it very hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to steal or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or Replacement Car Keys Cost running errands.
If you have an uncut laser key, you will need to contact an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store will not be able to create an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.
A locksmith uses an instrument that appears like a regular drill to cut the key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys replacement for cars are so expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car replacement key near me key. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle again, without needing to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.
Fobs
If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the car without a key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is usually recommended to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.
The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for Replacement Car Keys Cost thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys come in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that's the same year, model and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.