The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.
It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we've 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 huge deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost.
The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional.
The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it in a safe place.
There are five kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.
The next type of car key is a transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted 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 because it helps to prevent theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key however, it's because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you the most competitive price.
Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an electronic 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 particular key tool to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It will be very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth along the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to identify whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.
If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.
Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car.
Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle without needing to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership.
Fobs
There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it is generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess 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. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen.
Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, similar to an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure Learn More Here purchase a fob and a key that's the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.
