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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 put together a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key for about $50 or less. This kind of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine. Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed to work properly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure. It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The next type is a transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This kind 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 a dealer can access. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the car's model and make. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it deters theft. However, 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 then drive off with it. Transponder keys cost just a bit more than a regular key however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to offer you an affordable price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help in the event of indications that your car has been tampered with or forced open. 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 see that it's much harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. When you look at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while doing errands or working. If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to call an expert locksmith with the equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store won't be able make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the key's metal. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your car. Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. So you'll be able call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to have it tow back at the dealership. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start your car without a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you however it's better to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are familiar with your specific car and can ensure that it's done correctly. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. The loss of your car keys was once a source of frustration. It's now a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says 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 different sizes and shapes, however 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 can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be duplicated to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for various vehicles. replacement key for a car g28carkeys may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.