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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

It is a good idea to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it safe.

It is important to determine the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with 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 one and can only be done with special tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car replacement key cost. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is close to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and will give you a better rate.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. These are more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because 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 car.

It is important that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they observe indications that your car has been opened or tampered with. This could make it hard to get a replacement, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a cheap car keys replacement that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth on the face of the key. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to determine 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 working or running errands.

If you have an uncut laser key, replacement Car Keys Cost you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.

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

Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic components or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in case of. This way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to get it tow-back to the dealership.

Fobs

You might not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is usually best to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are knowledgeable about your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. 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, however the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.