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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads. It is a good plan to purchase a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could just buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines. This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work properly. This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer service professional. The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key, and keep it in a safe place. There are five kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The next kind of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be done with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. This can cost up to $500 or more depending on the make and model. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed close to your vehicle or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have because it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief requires both the right key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and take it away. The cost of a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you the most competitive price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options before you purchase your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car. It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out in the event of signs that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a specific depth on the face of the key. This makes it easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you misplace your keys while at work or doing for errands. If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith uses an instrument that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys are not like traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. So you'll be able contact the locksmith to 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 There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming, but it's best to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed. Getting your car key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car key was a pain, but now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can steal them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart” key has a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. G28 Car Keys are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer. If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.