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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 quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. This kind of key does not have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed correctly. This can only be done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.

It's important to identify the type of car key you have before seeking help. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The next kind of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the car's model and Replacement Car Keys Cost make.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key replacement for car to communicate with your car. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn your car on and then drive off with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this also. They are the best option because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you, especially if they see signs that the car has been tampered with or opened. This could make it hard to get an exchange, so make sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while at work or running around.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store isn't able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. This way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again, without needing to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you but it's generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.

Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to take them. The advances in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.