How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. 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 a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace a lost key.
Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type 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 to work correctly. her latest blog is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.
The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.
It's important to identify the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The second type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with special 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 model and make of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They use a microchip in the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.
The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and can provide you with a better price.
Many automakers 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 an electronic remote to unlock it.
Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However click this link now are also more secure since 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.
Regardless of what type of key you have, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. This will make it extremely hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while doing errands or working.
If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your car.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, which means they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it tow back by the dealership.
Fobs
You may not have an old classic car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process, though it's usually best to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's 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 a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen.
The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.
If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that is the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.