How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.
It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the cost to replace keys for cars.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost to have a mechanical 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 have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.
It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. car key replacement near me , standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your car. 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 that sends a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specialized tools that are accessible to a locksmith car dealer. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it.
Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key, however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with an affordable price.
Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying 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 a transponder-based password system. They are a little more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle.
No matter what kind of key you have, it is crucial that you never try to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to help particularly if they notice indications that your car has been tampered with or forced to open. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges 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. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while working or running errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.
It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll have access to your car without having to pay to get it tow back by the dealership.
Fobs
Unless you own an old classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.
The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal keys. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves.
These new keys come in different shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.