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 roads.

It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn’t long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They’ll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This type of key does not have chip and therefore will not be able to 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 properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they’re doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.

There are five distinct types of car keys available, so it’s crucial to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. They’re not 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 an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the car’s computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars with transponder keys use 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 electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and take off with it.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually higher than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it also. They are the best option as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and can offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. However, they are 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 duplicated, it won’t work with your car.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to break into your own car yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement car keys cost uk key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you’ll find that it’s much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a certain depth on the key’s face. When looking at the key from the top it’s easy to tell whether it’s a fake or not. The fact that they’re so easy to identify also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you misplace your key while you’re at work or running for errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you’ll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn’t likely to make you the replacement key laser-cut because they don’t have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ 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 will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your car.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It’s an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer.

Fobs

You may not own an old classic vehicle however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is usually recommended to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

Getting your car replacement key key fob replaced could cost up to $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it’s a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn’t include cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.

It used to be that losing your car key was a pain, but now it’s a major issue. That’s because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key battery replacement key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement car key near me aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for various vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.