How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service. If you lose your keys it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make this easier, we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost. An auto locksmith can be the cheapest alternative. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key does not have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe. There are five kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The next type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. key car replacement is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car. Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your car was opened or damaged. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands. If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able make you the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to mill the key's metal. This will remove 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 the specifications of your vehicle. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in case of. That way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll have access to your car again without having to pay to get it towed back at the dealership. Fobs You might not have an old classic car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen. Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This smart key features a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.
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