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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 return to the roads.

Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make it easier we've created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key for around $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure.

There are five distinct types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car replacement keys near me's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with specialized tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is usually higher than a standard key, but only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option because they have the most experience in programming these keys and can offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing 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. These are more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your vehicle.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice indications that your car has been forced open or altered. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a certain depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while working or doing for errands.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to create a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not have electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car key replacement online key. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership.

Fobs

You might not have an old-fashioned car, but your car key replacements probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it is usually better to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are knowledgeable about your particular car, which can ensure it's done right.

The cost of replacing your car key fob can 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 an electronic backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.

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

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for various vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your car.