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 roads. If you lose your keys It is recommended to have a spare made. To make it easier we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge issue. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace lost keys. Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines. This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or 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 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 is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10. The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is near to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you an affordable price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research before 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 of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. It is important to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been forced open or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth in the middle of the face of the key. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working. If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store isn't able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of key fobs. A locksmith uses an instrument that appears like a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key. Keep a spare car key in your car just in the event of. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to get it tow back by the dealership. Fobs Unless you own an old classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car without a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed. The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen. The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can take keys. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves to steal keys. These new keys come in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. This smart key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. replacement keys car are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.
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