How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.
It is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide 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 purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. This type of key does not have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.
This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.
The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.
It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, older 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 however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature to have as it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away.
A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be able to program a transponder key, but it is best to ask your dealership if they can do so also. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to give you an affordable price.
Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out what type of key is compatible with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car.
Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a particular depth on the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.
If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to provide you with the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car key. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it is usually best to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.
The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
Losing automotive car key replacement used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If auto key replacement have a spare key fob that works in your car and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.