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 fast with Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on how much it costs to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for around $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe.
There are five different kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10.
car key replacement near me is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. This can cost up to $500 or more based on your car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. replacement key for car near me are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because 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 purchasing a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.
No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of indications that your vehicle has been altered or forced to open. This can make it very hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you lose your keys while at work or running for errands.
If you own an uncut laser key, you will need to contact a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you can have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership.
Fobs
You may not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it is usually better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.
The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.
These new keys come in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that has the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.
