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 get back on the road.
It is a good plan to purchase a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.
Modern car keys include transponders or chips that need to be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.
The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.
There are five distinct types of car keys available, so it's important to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. 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 second type of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on the car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to start your car and drive away with it.
The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming the transponder key, however it is always best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so also. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
It is essential to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. This can make it very difficult to obtain 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 see that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. They are easy to recognize and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands.
If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will use an apparatus 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 unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronics or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.
The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.
These new keys come in different dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. car key replacement emergency than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that is the same year, model and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.