The One Replacement Car Keys Cost Trick Every Person Should Be Aware Of How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

If you lose your keys, it is a good idea to make a backup. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace keys lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that must be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.

There are five distinct types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.


The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the car's model and make.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.

A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular one, however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer about whether they are able to do it. They are the best option as they have the best experience in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle.

Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. It can be extremely 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 steal or lose than a traditional key. 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 the top. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to make you 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 similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in case of. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you don't own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

automotive key replacement of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that 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 major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the 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 also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in various shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program various vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that's the same model, year and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.