15 Amazing Facts About Replacement Car Keys Cost You Didn't Know
How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.
It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make this easier we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.
An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place.
There are five different kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next kind of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right 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, however, it's because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.
Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your car.
No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they observe indications that your car was opened or damaged. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact an 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 key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth along the face of the key. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while 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. In most cases, your local hardware store isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of keys.
A locksmith will use a machine that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. car replacement key cost is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.
It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned 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 that must be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process but it's generally best to have 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 replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle However, now it's a major issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves.
The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.