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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. To make this easier we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to 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. This is because modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure. It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The second type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows 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 the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys and can give you a better rate. Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle. It is important that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been opened or damaged. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you 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. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade – instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you misplace your keys while at work or doing for errands. If you own a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of key fobs. A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the full rebuild of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in case of. That way, you'll be able to 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 If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the car without having a key. replacement for key fob have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually best to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly. The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen. The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart” key features a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for various vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that's the same model, year and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.