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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

It is a good plan to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement remote car keys car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped 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, which must be programmed to work properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.

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

There are five different types of car keys available, so it's crucial to know the type you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The next type of car key is the transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key car replacement, and it is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car key replacement cost industry has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on the car's model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter to turn your car on and then drive off with it.

The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it also. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.

A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key it is compatible with and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.

Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car.

It is essential that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see indications that your car has been tampered with or forced to open. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to lose or steal than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a particular depth in the middle of the face of the key. When you look at the key from above it's easy to identify 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 getting locked out if you lose your keys while at work or running errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able provide you with the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronics 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 due to the full rebuild of the key.

It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

You may not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is generally best to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right.

The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain However, now it's a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an extra fob that works 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 locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than a dealership charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.