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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys it is a good idea to make a backup. To make this easier we've created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional.

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

There are five distinct types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away.

A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by most locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.

Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which type of key will work with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was copied, it will not work in your car.

It is important that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been altered or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, replacement car keys they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you misplace your key while you're at work or running for errands.

If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as 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 happen to lose your car key cover replacement keys. So, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it towed back at the dealership.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car without a key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is generally better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car's key 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 an electronic backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.

The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can steal them. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

These new keys come in various shapes and sizes however the most expensive is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that's the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.