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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make this easier, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, losing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost. The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine. This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe. It's important to identify the type of car keys 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 start your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The next type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it. The cost of a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out what type of key is compatible with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are a bit more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car. No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. This can make it very difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade – instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to determine if it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while working or running errands. If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store won't be able create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of keys. Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications. In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. It's recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed. Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves. The new keys are available in various shapes and sizes however the most expensive one is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that can program your automobiles. car replacement key might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.