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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. It is a good idea to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal 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. Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed correctly. This can only be done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer service professional. The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe. It is important to determine the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren't as common however, they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10. The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have since it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and then drive off with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key but that's only because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming a transponder key, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so also. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to buying your next car. automotive key replacement should be able find out which type of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that if your keys were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car. No matter what kind of key you have, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own car yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade – instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing errands. If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to make you the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob. A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they don't contain electronics or chips which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you can have access to your car again without having to pay to get it tow back to the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is usually best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed. The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a hassle However, now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare fob that works in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealership will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.