7 Tips To Make The Greatest Use Of Your Replacement Car Keys Cost How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They'll 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 therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure.

There are five distinct types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is near to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and then drive off with it.

Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. automotive car key replacement is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out what type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require specialized tools 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 copied, it will not work with your car.

Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your car yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they notice indications that your car was opened or tampered with. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key 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 set depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running around.

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 will not be able to provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer.

Fobs

Unless you own an old classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start your car without a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming, however it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.


The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now an actual issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys come in different sizes and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, 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 could be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that's the same model, year and make as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.