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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to buy a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, losing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost. Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional. The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe. There are five types of car keys available, so it's crucial to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The next type of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specialized tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They incorporate an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is close to your car, or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and then drive off with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular one, but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to 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. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. They are a little more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car. No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they see indications that your car has been forced open or altered. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. automotive car key replacement -Cut Keys If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade – instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above, it is easy to identify whether it's fake or not. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands. If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to make these kinds 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 will use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. Keep a spare car key in your possession in case of the event of. That way you'll be able call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you can have access to your car again without having to pay to get it tow back to the dealership. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start your car without a key. The keys contain computer chips which need to be programmed to function with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you however it's best to have your dealer handle it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with your particular car and can ensure that it's done right. Getting your car key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen. The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves. The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare key fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that has the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.