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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. When you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. To make this easier we've put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. car key replacement fob g28carkeys , however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, which must be programmed in order to function properly. This is only done by a professional who understands what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place. There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn on your car. They're not as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The second type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. It could cost you $500 or more based on the make and model. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed close to your car, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with 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 with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems in place. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out what type of key works with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool 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 essential to not attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been forced open or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. 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 set depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost while doing errands or working. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store won't be able make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of keys. A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will remove all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to 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, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete rebuild 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 key. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure it's done right. The cost of replacing your car key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen. Losing your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can take them. The advancements in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, however the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart key” has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare fob that works in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that's the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.