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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

Before you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare made. To make this easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, Replacement Car Keys Cost misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only by done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.

It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with 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 duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a great feature because it stops 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 on and take off with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular one, however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.

Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.

It is essential that you don't attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see indications that your car has been opened or damaged. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have 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 a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running errands.

If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store will not be able to create an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith will employ a machine that appears like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without needing to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process but it's generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key battery replacement keys was an inconvenience however, it's now a real problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. The "smart" key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement car keys with chips from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist who can program many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that is the same model, year and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.