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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads.

If you lose your keys, it is recommended to make a backup. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars 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 hire an auto locksmith. Suggested Browsing can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

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

The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you have before seeking help. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

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

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away.

The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.

Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. This can make it very hard to get a replacement, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys


You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to recognize and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working.

If you own an uncut laser key, you will need to contact a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to create 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 appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. So you'll be able call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you so that you have access to your car without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

You may not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are familiar with your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that 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. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. The "smart" key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.

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