Notes

Why Replacement Car Keys Cost Could Be Your Next Big Obsession
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.

When you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare made. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional.

The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to ensure that you have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place.

It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.

The next type of car key is the transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Transponder Keys

Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. 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 off and take off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is typically higher than a conventional key, but that is because it must be programmed. cost of replacement car key will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car was opened or tampered with. This could make it difficult to obtain an exchange, so make certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.

Laser-Cut Keys

You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs 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. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out if you lose your keys while at work or doing around.

If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create 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 a machine that looks very like a regular drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So you'll be able call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to get it towed back to the dealership.

Fobs

You may not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you however it's recommended to let 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 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 you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen.


Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace.

If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for various vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that's the same year, model and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.

Here's my website: https://www.metooo.io/u/65b8a187d79c9f28e30a5d11