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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service. When you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to make a backup. To make this more convenient, we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key. An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine. This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional. The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere secure. It's important to identify the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however, they are available 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 electronic signal to the car's computer system to open 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 special tools, which are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost for this 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 a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed close to your car or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great as it wards off theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to start your car and drive away with it. The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed as well. Most locksmiths will be able to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best option because they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will offer you a better price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key it is compatible with and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are a bit more complicated because they require a particular key tool to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car. Whatever type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to break into your own car yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies and cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help, especially if they see indications that your car has been tampered with or forced to open. This will make it extremely hard to get a replacement, so be certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to lose or steal than a metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top it's easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you misplace your keys while working or doing for 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. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob. Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car. 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 they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. Keep at G28 Car Keys in your possession in case of case. So, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without needing to pay to have it tow back by the dealership. Fobs You might not have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it is usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle 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 an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen. The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, it's a huge issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal keys. The advancements in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. These new keys come in various shapes and sizes however the most expensive one is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.