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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too 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. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it is much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't come with a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work properly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert. The cost to have a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe. There are five distinct types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before getting help with replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is near to your vehicle, or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have since it discourages theft. car key replacements makes it more difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. They are the best choice as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your car. It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help, especially if they see indications that your car has been tampered with or opened. This can make it very difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a traditional key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade – instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're working or running errands. If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to make you a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key. It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to have it towed back at the dealership. Fobs You might not have an old classic car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it is generally recommended to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are familiar with your particular car, which can ensure it's done correctly. The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience however, it's now a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can take keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them. These new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. The “smart” key has a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for various vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that is the same model, year and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.