There Are Myths And Facts Behind Replacement Car Keys Cost How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.

Before you lose your key it is a good idea to have a spare. To make this easier, we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car key s. cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace lost keys.

An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it safe.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't 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, which has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or car dealer 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 cars to communicate with their car. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it.

A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer about whether they can do it. They are the best choice because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key it is compatible with and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was copied, it will not work in your car.

It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your vehicle was opened or tampered with. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to lose or steal than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you lose your key while you're at work or running errands.

If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able create 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 use a machine that looks very like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronics or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full rebuild of the key.

It's recommended to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience, but now it's a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.