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Replacement Car Keys Cost Tools To Make Your Life Everyday How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge problem. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more costly to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. This type of key does not have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine. Modern car keys include transponders or chips which must be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip that is used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is by making sure you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure. It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. cost of replacement car key is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with special tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more based on the car's make and model. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off 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 drive off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys and can give you a better rate. Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. It is important to do your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key it is compatible with and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car. It is essential that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help in the event of indications that your car has been tampered with or forced to open. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to identify if it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional with the equipment to make 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 required to cut and program these kinds of keys. A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case of. So, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you can have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow back by the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional 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 for you, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right. The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience However, now it's a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer. If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.