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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to make a backup. To make this easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost. An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key does not have a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional. The cost to get a mechanical key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it safe. It is important to determine the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. key replacement car use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a great feature to have because it helps to prevent theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. They are the best choice since they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price. A lot of 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 find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your vehicle. It is essential that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to take or lose than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys 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 if you lose your keys while at work or doing for errands. If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your car. Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car key. So you'll be able call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it tow back by the dealership. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the 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 key was a pain, but now it's an actual issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart” key has a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges which could save you as much as $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.