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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It’s never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

Before you lose your key it is a good idea to have a spare made. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it’s much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This type of key isn’t equipped with chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they’re doing, such as a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure.

It’s important to identify the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren’t as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car’s computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to start your car and drive away with it.

A transponder key is slightly more than a regular key, however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your car dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price.

Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your car.

Regardless of what type of key you’ve got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. This will make it extremely hard to get an exchange, so make sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you’ll notice that it’s much harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. The keys don’t have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there’s a groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key’s face. When you look at the key from the top it’s easy to identify whether it’s fake or not. The fact that they’re easy to spot also means that you’re not at risk of being locked out if you misplace your keys while working or doing for errands.

If you own an uncut laser key, you’ll need to call a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit won’t be able make you a new laser-cut key because they don’t have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.

A locksmith will employ a machine that appears like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key’s code is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.

Keep a spare car key in your possession just in case. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it’s best to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car’s key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That’s not even including the cost of a brand new 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 key was a hassle, but now it’s a real problem. That’s because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. They’re generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealership to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement car keys from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealership would charge, 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 the original so it can be coded to work with your car.