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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

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

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your car. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. It can cost replacement car key as high as $500 or more based on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.

Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular one, but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice as they have the best experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to break into your own car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your car has been opened or damaged. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a certain depth on the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running around.

If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This 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 according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case. So you'll be able call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you so that you can have access to your car again without having to pay to get it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

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

Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in different shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that has the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.