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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to buy a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier we've created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's much more expensive to replace keys lost. An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost to get a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe. There are five different types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before seeking help to replace it. visit here , older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10. The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your vehicle, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a great feature because it stops theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it has to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your car dealership 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 can give you a better rate. Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. It is important that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or forced open. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to steal or lose than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth along the face of the key. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands. If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. click here! will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed back to the dealer. Fobs Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming, however it is generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen. The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now it's a serious issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. The “smart” key has a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that is the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.