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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads. It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. To make this more convenient we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't have a chip and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip that is used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe. It's important to identify the kind of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10. The second type of car key is the transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on the make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is placed close to your car or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it. The cost of a new transponder key is typically higher than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed as well. The majority of locksmiths will be competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. They are the best choice since they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle. Whatever type of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and will cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been altered or opened. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a specific depth along the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing errands. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to create 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 type of key fob. A locksmith will use a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key. This will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in case. This way, you'll be able to 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 get it towed back to the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't own an old classic vehicle however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process however it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. replacement key for car near me are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen. Losing your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you as much as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that has the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.