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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.

It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, losing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could buy 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 a lost car key replacement near me key.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this type 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 need to be programmed to function properly. This can only be done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service.

The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe.

It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. 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 vehicle. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on your car's make and model.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is near to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and take it away.

Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you an affordable price.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type 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 a bit more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.

No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to help you out in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or forced to open. This could make it hard to get replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth up 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. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out if you misplace your key while you're working or running for errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs.

Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely 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.

It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car replacement keys keys. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

If you do not own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start your car without having a key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car key lost replacement and possess all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car key fob replacement near me keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.

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

If you have a spare key fob that works in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement keys for car from a firm like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.