The Most Popular Replacement Car Keys Cost Experts Are Doing 3 Things

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Losing your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service.
Before you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare. how much are car key replacements have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key.
Mechanical Keys
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace keys lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.
This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, like a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.
The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure.
There are five distinct types of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before seeking help to replace it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned 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 is a transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
Transponder Keys
Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it.
A transponder key costs just a bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it needs to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program a transponder key, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to provide you with the most competitive price.
A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could 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 damaged or forced to open. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a particular depth in the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you lose your key while you're working or doing errands.
If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to create a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith uses an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will cut off 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 be cut to match your vehicle's specifications.
In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any chips or electronics inside them that could be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed back to the dealer.
Fobs
You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is usually recommended to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's 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 mechanical backup key that you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can steal them. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. This "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like 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 cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself around $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that's the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.