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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key It is recommended to make a backup. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace keys lost. Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start an 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 a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional. The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place. It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The second type is the transponder car key. key replacement car has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it off and take off with it. A transponder key is a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option as they have the best experience in programming these keys, and they can give you a better rate. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle. No matter what kind of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your vehicle was opened or altered. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth on the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to determine if it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working. If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys. A locksmith will use a machine that appears like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car. Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case. So you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you can have access to your car without having to pay to get it tow back to the dealership. Fobs Unless you own an old classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your car without having a key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it's best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools. 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 doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to take them. The advances in technology for car keys 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 comes with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This “smart key” features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.