A Comprehensive Guide To Replacement Car Keys Cost From Beginning To End How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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

If you lose your keys It is recommended to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it is much more expensive to replace lost keys.


Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.

The cost of having a mechanical key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The second type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that sends an alert 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 standard mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a great feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular one, 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 kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able find out what type of key works with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

key replacement car come equipped with a password transponder system. These are a bit more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your car.

Whatever type of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car has been opened or damaged. It is very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands.

If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store will not be able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of keys.

A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

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. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain, but now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.