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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys.
The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost to get a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.
homepage to know the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is near to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically higher than a conventional key, but only because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize 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 essential that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help particularly if they notice signs that the car has been tampered with or forced open. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. These keys do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a certain depth on the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you lose your keys while working or running errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store will not be able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys.
A locksmith will employ a machine that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process however it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done right.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.
The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now, cost of replacement car key 's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealership to replace.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who can program many different vehicles. cost of a replacement car key may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealership would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure that 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.