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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads. It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the price to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it's much more costly to replace lost keys. An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that must be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about 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 a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and store it safely. 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, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10. The next kind of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great because it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to turn your car on and take it away. The cost of a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you the most competitive price. Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ 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. Whatever type of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle yourself. car key replacement near me can cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help, especially if they see indications that your vehicle has been altered or opened. This could make it hard to get a replacement, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade – instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while doing errands or working. If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not have electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key. It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car keys. That way you'll be able call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to have it tow-back by the dealership. Fobs You might not have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional 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 to do this reprogramming but it is usually best to let your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be up to $500 based on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen. The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart” key has an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that is the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.