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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 fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys, it is a good idea to make a backup. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type 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 properly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key, Replacement Car Keys Cost and keep it somewhere secure.

There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next kind of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car key replacement price.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They use a microchip in the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have since it discourages theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and then drive off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option as they have the best experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ 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 vehicle.

Whatever type of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they observe indications that your car has been forced open or damaged. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a certain depth in the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while working or running errands.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact an expert locksmith with the equipment to make 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 a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

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 unlock and start the car without a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain, but now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealership to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.