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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that must be programmed correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or a car dealership service professional. The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place. There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10. The next type is the transponder car key. car key replacements has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away. The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program a transponder key, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do so also. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your car. No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to assist you particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been altered or forced open. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to steal or lose 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 set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to tell whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while at work or doing errands. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of keys. A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key 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. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys don't have any chips or electronics inside that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer. Fobs There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done right. The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves can steal them. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart” key features a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure vehicle key replacement purchase a key and fob that is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.