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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key, it is a good idea to make a backup. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could purchase a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost. Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional who is a service expert. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely. There are five types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10. The next type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or car dealer has access to. 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 inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have because it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and then drive off with it. Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key, however, it's because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally able to program keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it also. They are the best choice since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will give you a better rate. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out what type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car. Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause a lot of mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. click the up coming article can make it very difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be sure to speak with 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 more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create an alternative key that is laser-cut, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will employ an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code can be extracted from the VIN and the key will then be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic components or chips that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer. Fobs You might not have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. The keys contain computer chips that must be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have and can ensure that it's done correctly. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car key was a hassle However, now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart key” features a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.