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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing 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 buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this easier we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, losing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace keys lost. Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine. This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it in a safe place. There are five types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on your car's model and make. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is close to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it. The cost of a new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which kind of key will work with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are a bit more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car. It is important to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle was opened or altered. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to determine if it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands. If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely 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 use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. Unlike key fob replacement , laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed by the dealer. Fobs You might not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain, but now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can steal keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This “smart” key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.