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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads. When you lose your key It is recommended to make a backup. To make this easier we've created a guide on how much 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 buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost. An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place. It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before seeking help. key replacement car , old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The next type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use 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 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 brand new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best option as they have the best experience in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price. Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car. It is crucial that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your car has been forced open or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. 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 be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges 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's easy to tell whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're working or running errands. If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases, your local hardware store will not be able to make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment required to cut and program these types of keys. A locksmith will use an instrument that appears like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key. It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer. Fobs You may not have an old classic car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain, but now it's an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart key” features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealership to replace. If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program 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. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that's the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.