How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.

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

Mechanical Keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and store it safely.

It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.

The second type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with special tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is near to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter to turn your car key fob replacement on and drive away with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your car 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 an affordable price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether 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 to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.

It is crucial to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain an exchange, so make certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a certain depth along the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your key while you're at work or running for errands.

If you have an uncut laser key, you will need to contact an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

A locksmith uses a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronics or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full rebuild of the key.

Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are well-versed in your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves.

The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, however the one with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement key fob for car aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.