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 by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have put together a guide to 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 buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
replacement key for car near me can be the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.
The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.
It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type is a 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. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and then drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key however, it's because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your dealership if they can do so also. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key will work with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
It is essential to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice indications that your car has been tampered with or opened. This can make it very hard to get an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. 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 easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store will not be able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications.
Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key.
It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.
Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take keys. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.
The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than simple 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 may want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that's the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.