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Five Replacement Car Keys Cost Lessons From Professionals How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service. When you lose your key It is an ideal idea to have a spare. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip that is used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe. It's important to identify the type of car key you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10. The second type of car key is the transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and then drive off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you an affordable price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. cost of car key replacement is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car. It is essential to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice indications that your car was opened or tampered with. This can make it very hard to get replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll notice that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands. If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to 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 use an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key. It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll have access to your car again without having to pay to have it tow-back to the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special 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 better to have 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. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for various vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.