15 Interesting Facts About Replacement Car Keys Cost That You Never Knew

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.

If you lose your keys It is recommended to have a spare made. To make this easier, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it is much more costly to replace keys lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. This type of key does not have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine.

Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that must be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.

The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put 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 about $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it helps to prevent theft.  car replacement key cost  makes it difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off 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 the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best option because they have the most expertise in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.

It is crucial to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. This could make it hard to get an exchange, so make sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth on the face of the key. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to tell whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out if you lose your keys while working or running errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, 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 kinds of key fobs.

Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your car.

Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key.

Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case of. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you can have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership.

Fobs

You might not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your particular car and can ensure that it's done right.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can steal them. The advances 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 comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealership to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that's the same model, year and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.