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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service. If you lose your keys, it is a good idea to make a backup. We have compiled a list on the price to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge problem. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest way to do this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key for around $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine. This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe. There are five kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. They're not as common, but 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 sends a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it. The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be able to program a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this as well. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you an affordable price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. car key replacement is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are a bit more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use 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. Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of signs that the vehicle has been altered or opened. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to take or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a certain depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing errands. If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith uses a machine that looks very like a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in case. So, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it towed back at the dealership. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start the car without having a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it's best to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed. Getting your car key fob changed can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you may wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. The “smart” key comes with a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.