How car key replacement fob ?
It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road.
It is a good plan to purchase a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key.
Mechanical Keys
Not too long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace lost keys.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. 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, also known as chips, that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert.
The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.
It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10.
The second type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more based on your car's make and model.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a great feature because it stops theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it.
Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it.
Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. 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 even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your car.
No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to gain entry into your car yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to assist you particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.
Laser-Cut Keys
It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob.
A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. So you'll be able call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the car without a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is generally better to have your dealer do 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 an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen.
It used to be that losing your car key was a pain however, it's now a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys.
The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as 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 in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that's the same year, model and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.