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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

It is a good idea to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for about $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap car keys replacement, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.

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

The next type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using special tools that are accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature to have as it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter to start your car and take it away.

A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular key however, this is because it has 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 can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car has been forced open or damaged. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a certain depth along the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're working or running around.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your car.

Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not have electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Keep a spare car key in your car just in case. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.

Fobs

You may not own an old classic vehicle, Replacement Car Keys Cost but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are well-versed in your specific car, which can ensure it's done right.

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 does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle However, now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can steal them. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.