How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.

It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, which must be programmed to work properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car key replacement industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the car key replacement service's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They use a microchip in the key. When the key is near to your car, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they can do it. They are the best option as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to find out what type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

It is crucial to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice signs that the car has been tampered with or opened. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to steal or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you misplace your key while you're at work or running around.

If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter 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 your car without having a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.

Getting your car key fob changed can cost as high as $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience however, it's now a major issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement car key from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that offers programming for many automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that is the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.