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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service. When you lose your key it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make it easier, we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. 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 keys lost. The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine. This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows 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 used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and store it safely. It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the car's model and make. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it. The cost of a new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best option as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price. Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car. Regardless of what type of key you have, it is crucial that you do not attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice signs that the car has been tampered with or forced to open. vehicle key replacement will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade – instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you lose your keys while working or doing errands. If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key. Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it's best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed. The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work in another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than the price a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.