10 Replacement Car Keys Cost Tricks Experts Recommend How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

cost for car key replacement 's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more expensive to replace keys lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed properly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it safe.

There are five different kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. They're not as common however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next kind of car key is the transponder key that 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 is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to start your car and take it away.

The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically higher than a conventional key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming a transponder key, but it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you the most competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer 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 utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your car.

No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a metal key. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth along the face of the key. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell if it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working.

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

Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronics or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.

It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. This way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you'll have access to your car without having to pay to get it tow back at the dealership.

Fobs

You may not own an old classic vehicle, 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 contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are well-versed in your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car's 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 an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.


If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.