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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace the car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.

The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with a chip and isn't able to unlock 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 to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere secure.

There are five types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned cheapest car key replacement key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for replacement car key for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and drive away with it.

A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular one, however, it's because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and will provide you with a better price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your car has been forced open or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands.

If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted 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 contain any electronics or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key.

Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in case. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to get it tow-back at the dealership.

Fobs

You might not have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.

Losing your car replacement key key was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves.

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

If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.