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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO' car key replacement can help you quickly get back on the road.
It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, which must be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place.
It is important to determine the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The second type of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the car's model and make.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is a great feature to have because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however 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 could be able to provide you with the most competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next car. You should be able find out which type of key will work with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.
Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
It is essential that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car was opened or damaged. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll notice that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a certain depth on the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you lose your key while you're at work or doing around.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. In most cases, your local hardware store isn't able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.
A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is 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 normal transponder keys because they do not have electronics or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer.
Fobs
You might not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. key replacement car doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable 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 more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that has the same year, model and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.