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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

When you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare. To make it easier we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed to work correctly. This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost to get a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keys store it safely.

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 metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular, but they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle'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 copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed close to your vehicle, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away.

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 many locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they can do it. They are the best option since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and will provide you with a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change 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 regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to break into your own car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help you out, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. It is very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a conventional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch 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 above it's easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out if you misplace your key while you're working or doing around.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit won't be able create an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

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

Fobs

You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional 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 for you, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car key fob replacement keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in different dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Just make sure 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.