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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road. It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, losing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could just buy 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 lost. The cheapest way to do this is to hire 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 automobile keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function properly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure. It's crucial to know the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The next type of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it. Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and will give you a better rate. A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find 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 special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. It is important that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to assist you, especially if they see indications that your vehicle has been damaged or forced to open. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a certain depth along the face of the key. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working. If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of case of. That way you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you so that you'll have access to your car again without having to pay to get it tow back at the dealership. Fobs Unless you own an old classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car without a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming, however it is generally better to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools. More Material of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience However, now it's an actual issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal the keys. The new keys come in different shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key within the same fob. The “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 coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work with another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that has the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.