How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road. When you lose your key It is a good idea to make a backup. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace keys lost. The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine. Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional. The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place. It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your car. They're not as common however they are available at your local home improvement store for $10. The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your car or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it. A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. They are the best option as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and can offer you a better price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote. cars keys replacement come with a transponder password system. They are a little more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. However, they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car. It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car was opened or damaged. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you lose your key while you're working or doing for errands. If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create the replacement key laser-cut because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob. Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle. In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. Then, you can call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer. Fobs You may not have an old classic car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen. Losing your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This smart key features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that's the same year, model and make as the original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.
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