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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 road. It is a good idea to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make it easier we've created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys include transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place. There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have 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 off and take off with it. A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your car dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key will work with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your vehicle. It is essential that you don't attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. replacement auto key -Cut Keys If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll notice that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade – instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands. If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to match the specifications of your car. Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can be back in your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the car without a key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your specific car, which can ensure it's done right. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen. The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can take them. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, however the one with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” comes with an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that has the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.