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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge issue. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place.

There are five types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for replacement car Keys cost about $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with special tools that are available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to start your car and drive away with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. They are the best choice because they have the most expertise in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

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

Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.

It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth in the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while working or doing for errands.

If you have an uncut laser key, you will need to contact a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit won't be able make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these types of key fobs.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you'll have access to your car without needing to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern 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 fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you however it's 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 key replacement car fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in different shapes and sizes however the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost car keys replacement or hidden in pockets like a coat. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that offers programming for many automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.