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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. It is a good idea to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key 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. This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service. The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place. car key replacements is important to determine the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10. The second type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open 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 using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the car's model and make. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away. The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming the transponder key, however it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so as well. They are the best option since they have the most expertise in programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price. Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. These are a bit more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. It is essential that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of indications that your vehicle has been damaged or opened. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or running errands. If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact an expert locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit won't be able create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of keys. Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. Keep a spare car key in your possession just in case of. You can then call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car without a key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done right. The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car key was a pain However, now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys. These new keys come in various dimensions and shapes, but 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 elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.