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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 return to the roads. Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare. We have compiled a list on the price to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge issue. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer service professional. The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely. It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10. The next type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on your car's model and make. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key that communicates with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to start your car and drive away with it. The cost of a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you an affordable price. Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which type of key will work with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car. It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car was opened or tampered with. replacement key for car near me can make it very hard to get an exchange, so make certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's more difficult to lose or steal 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 winding groove that cuts to a set depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands. If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In most cases your local hardware store isn't able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs. Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications. In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside that can be replaced, which means they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key. It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. That way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you'll have access to your car again without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership. Fobs You may not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools. 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's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car key was a pain However, now it's an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves. The new keys come in different sizes and shapes however the most expensive one is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer. If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you around $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.