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10 Healthy Habits For A Healthy Replacement Car Keys Cost
How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?

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 purchase an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key.

Mechanical Keys

Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost.

Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.

This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however, they are available at your local home improvement store for $10.

The next type is a transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. 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 car key replacement service is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it.

Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular one, however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and can give you a better rate.

Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it.

Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require a particular key tool 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 keys were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car.

Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to help you out particularly if they notice indications that your car has been tampered with or opened. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing errands.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.

A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle.

Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key.

Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer.

Fobs

You might not own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. 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 vehicle and have all the necessary tools.


The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost up to $500, based on the type of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.

Losing your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major problem. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves.

The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden into a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your car.

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