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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 fast with Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key. The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys have transponders or chips that must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place. It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The second type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using specific tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have as it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it. car key fob replacement near me cost a little bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. They are a little more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car. It is crucial that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car has been forced open or damaged. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade – instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from the top. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands. If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to call a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools needed to cut and program these types of keys. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer. Fobs You might not have an old classic car however, your car likely 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 electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience however, it's now a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart key” comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.