15 Startling Facts About Replacement Car Keys Cost That You Never Known

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. 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 big issue. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that must be programmed to work properly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.

The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.

A transponder key is slightly more than a regular one, however, this is because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to provide you with an affordable price.

A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.

Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that if your keys were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of indications that your car has been tampered with or opened. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a traditional key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a specific depth in the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to recognize and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands.

If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronic components or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key.

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

Fobs

If you do not 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 the car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools.

The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the type of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience However, now it's a major issue.  cost of replacement car keys  is because modern vehicles have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

The new keys come in a variety of sizes and shapes however the most expensive one is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself around $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.