20 Replacement Car Keys Cost Websites That Are Taking The Internet By Storm

How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service.

Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make this easier, we have created a guide on 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 problem. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost.

The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine.

Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that must be programmed to work properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.

The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and keep it safe.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10.

The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access.  automotive key replacement  could cost you $500 or more based on the model and make.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their vehicle. 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 beneficial because it stops theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a standard key, but only because it needs to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be able to program the transponder key, however it is best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys, and they can give you a better rate.

Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it.

Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car.

Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to break into your own car yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or forced open. It is very difficult to get a new 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. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands.

If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is usually best to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly.

The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen.

The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. It's now a major problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have a spare fob that works in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.