How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good idea to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional.

The cost of car key replacement to have an electronic key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe.

There are five types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it makes stealing your car key button replacement more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter to turn your car on and then drive off with it.

A transponder key is slightly more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best choice as they have the best experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price.

A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. They are a little more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of signs that the vehicle has been altered or opened. This can make it very difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to lose or steal than a metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or running for errands.

If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit won't be able create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of keys.

A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key replacement car to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to get it towed back by the dealership.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car key button replacement and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.

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

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket Replacement Remote Car keys from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that is the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.