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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This type of key does not 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 properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on your car's model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is near to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have because it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but only because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it also. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use 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 gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help you out, especially if they see evidence that the car has been tampered with or opened. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to determine whether it's fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit 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 kind of key fob.

A locksmith uses a machine that looks very 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 key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you'll have access to your car without having to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process but it's generally better to have your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and replacement car Keys Cost if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge problem. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost car keys replacement or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealership to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your car.