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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on how much it costs to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, losing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine. Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert. The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it in a safe place. There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The second type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is close to your vehicle, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn your car on and take it away. The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. They are the best option as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and can provide you with a better price. A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. replacement car key fob should be able find out which type of key will work with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because 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 crucial to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice evidence that the car has been tampered with or forced to open. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to take or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. When you look at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing for errands. If you have an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit won't be able make you a new laser-cut key because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of keys. A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This 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 cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key. It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, the 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. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed. The cost of replacing your car 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 want in case your fob is lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle however, it's now an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to 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 different sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. The “smart” key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that can program your vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.