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How Much Do replacement car keys (by Kemu) Cost?

Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

It is a good plan to buy 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

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for about $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.

This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer service professional.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure.

There are five different kinds of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before getting help with replacing it. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is the transponder cheap car key replacement key. This key has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically higher than a standard key, but only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are a bit more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

It is crucial to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your vehicle was opened or altered. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while at work or doing around.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store will not be able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

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

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. This way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the car without having a key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it's better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you around $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.