How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge issue. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace lost keys. The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional. The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure. There are five kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. Read Even more of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is near to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it. The cost of a new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car. It is essential that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been altered or forced open. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to identify if it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create the replacement key laser-cut because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key. It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done correctly. The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost as much as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or 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 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 keys. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. The smart key has a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.
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