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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly with Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good plan to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we have put together a guide to the cost of 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 key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place. It is important to determine the type of car key you have before seeking help. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. They're not as common, but 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 embedded security microchips that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. replacement car key cost of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the model and make. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which 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. Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key however, it's because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your car dealership whether they are able to program it also. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you the most competitive price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able find out what type of key is compatible with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car. Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to assist you in the event of signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced to open. This could make it hard to get an exchange, so make sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to tell whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running around. If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In most cases, your local hardware store will not be able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs. A locksmith uses an instrument that appears like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in case. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you have access to your car again without having to pay to get it tow-back at the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed. The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart” key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that's the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.