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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. When you lose your key It is an ideal idea to make a backup. We have compiled a list on the price to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big issue. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest way to do 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 isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer professional who is a service expert. The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip that is used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key and that you keep it somewhere safe. There are five types of car keys, so it's crucial to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A more traditional, older car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common however you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a standard mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have because it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter in order to start your car and take it away. The cost of a new transponder key is usually higher than a traditional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you the most competitive price. Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. 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 whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car. Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to gain entry into your car yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe indications that your car has been forced open or altered. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. automotive key replacement -Cut Keys If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth along the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working. If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to provide you with the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob. A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your car. Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in the event that you accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer. Fobs If you don't 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 are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right. The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as much as $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car key was a pain However, now it's a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than the price a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that is the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.