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 return to the road. It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been 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 an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe. It is important to determine the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The next kind of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They use a microchip in the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and take it away. A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with an affordable price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying 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. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car. It is important that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you lose your keys while at work or running errands. If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to create a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so 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 rebuild of the entire key. Keep a spare car key in your car just in case. So you'll be able call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle without needing to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. click here! are able to do this reprogramming but it is generally recommended to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed. Getting your car key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can take keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This smart key comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.
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