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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. Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make it easier we've created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace the key that was lost. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely. It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. replacement car keys price 're not as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10. The next type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is a great feature because it deters theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn your car on and then drive off with it. A transponder key is slightly more than a regular key but that's only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best choice since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key will work with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. They are a little more complex as they require a specific 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 key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car. No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to gain entry into your car yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help, especially if they see signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a certain depth on the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to tell if it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working. If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact an expert locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob. A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the key's metal. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key. It's an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start your car without having a key. These keys contain special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process, though it's usually 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's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience However, now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to take keys. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This “smart key” has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement 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 less than the price a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that's the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.