How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys lost.
The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys replacement cost keys include transponders, or chips, that must be programmed correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.
The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe.
It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on the cheap car key replacement's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
The cost of a new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so also. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with a more competitive price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out what type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. They are a little more complicated because they require a special key tool 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 cloned, it will not 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 yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car was opened or tampered with. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile Car key replacement auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you misplace your keys while working or doing errands.
If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.
Locksmiths 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 will be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not have electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key.
It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car keys. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old classic car replacement keys near me however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process but it's generally best to have your dealer handle 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. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.
These new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement keys for car from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that's the same model, year and make as the original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.