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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys it is recommended to have a spare made. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that must be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place.

There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This feature is great because it stops theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.

A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular one, however, this is because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. They are the best choice since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and can offer you a better price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

It is essential that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, replacement car Keys cost no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an professional 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 along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth along the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to determine if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your key while you're at work or doing for errands.

If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store will not be able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will employ a machine that appears like a regular drill to cut the key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car.

Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming, however it's best to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement car key near me from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges which could save you around $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.