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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. When you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make this more convenient we've created a list of how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big deal. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace lost keys. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key does not have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional. The cost to get a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically 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 kind of car key you have before seeking help. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to turn on your car. These aren't common anymore however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the vehicle's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a standard mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specific tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. This can cost up to $500 or more based on the make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is close to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a wonderful 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 take off with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key however, it's because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they often 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 mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are a bit more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. It is important that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help in the event of signs that the vehicle has been altered or opened. This could make it hard to get an exchange, so make sure to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a conventional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing errands. If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able provide you with the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. click the next website will then be extracted from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key on hand in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer. Fobs You may not have an old classic car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it's better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed. The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This “smart” key features an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden in a pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who can program a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that has the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.