Replacement Car Keys Cost 101: It's The Complete Guide For Beginners

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is not 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 have a spare. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost. Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key does not have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional. The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure. There are five different types of car keys available, so it's crucial to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The next type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off 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 and drive off with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. They are a little more complicated as 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're used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car. It is important that you do not try to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice indications that your car has been opened or tampered with. This can make it very difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands. If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store 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 use an instrument that appears like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications. In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key. Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case. This way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start your vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process however it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with your specific car, which can ensure it's done right. The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen. The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge problem. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, according to 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 transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” features a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. G28 Car Keys may be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that is the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.