How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
If you lose your keys it is recommended to have a spare made. To make this more convenient we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys lost.
The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of having a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.
It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The next type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular key but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you the most competitive price.
Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out what type of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's 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 misplace your keys while working or doing for errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to create an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. car key replacement near me is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. Then, you can call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.
Fobs
Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is usually best to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost up to $500, based on the kind of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience however, it's now an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that's the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.