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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads. When you lose your key it is a good idea to make a backup. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge 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 keys lost. The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional. The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe. It's important to identify the kind of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The second type of car key is a transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a 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 can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it. Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys and can give you a better rate. types of car keys of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help you out, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been altered or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a certain depth in the middle of the face of the key. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while doing errands or working. 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 make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these kinds of keys. A locksmith uses a machine that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the key's metal, which will remove 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 cut to your vehicle's specifications. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow back to the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed. The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost as much as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen. The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective 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 to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. The “smart” key features a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that's the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.