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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key it is recommended to have a spare made. We have compiled a list on the price to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost. Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They'll usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys include transponders or chips which must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure. It is important to determine the type of car key you have before seeking help. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10. The second type is the transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the car's model and make. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it. Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price. Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key will work with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your car. Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to gain entry into your car yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they observe indications that your car has been opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll notice 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 have a groove that is cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to identify whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you misplace your keys while working or running around. If automotive key replacement is a laser-cut one 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 create an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob. A locksmith will use a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. In automotive car key replacement to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key. It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you, so that you gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to have it tow back to the dealership. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start the vehicle without the need for a key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it is generally better to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen. The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now it's a serious problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart” key comes with a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare fob that is in your car 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 company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that's the same model, year and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.