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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key, it is recommended to make a backup. To make this easier we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost. how much car key replacement wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key. The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys have transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you always have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure. There are five types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before seeking help to replace it. 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 however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The next type is a transponder car key. It has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specific tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is close to your car or inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have since it discourages theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to start your car and then drive off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but that is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you a more competitive price. Many auto manufacturers 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 type of key is compatible with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. They are a little more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if the key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle. It is essential that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle was opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a traditional key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a certain depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out if your key is lost while you're doing errands or working. If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able make you a laser-cut replacement key, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronics or chips that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key. Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and 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 at the dealership. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the car without a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen. The loss of your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal them. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, however the one with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This “smart key” features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer. If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you as much as $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.