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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key It is recommended to have a spare made. 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 issue. index could buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. This type of key does not have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, which must be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert. The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely. It is important to determine the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. They're not as common, but they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10. The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. It could cost you $500 or more based on the model and make. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn on your car and take it away. The cost of a brand new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car. Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to lose or steal than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth on the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or doing errands. If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able create the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car. Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key. Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to unlock and start your car without a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process but it's generally better to have your dealer handle it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle However, now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal them. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves. These new keys come in different sizes and shapes however the most expensive one is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. This “smart key” features a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.