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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads. It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. An auto locksmith can be the cheapest alternative. They are usually able to duplicate a metal key for less than $50. This kind of key isn't equipped with a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys have transponders or chips which must be programmed to work correctly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service. The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place. It's crucial to know the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using special tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to begin. This is a great feature because it stops theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it also. They are the best choice since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out what type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it. Certain newer vehicles have a transponder 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 use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your vehicle. No matter what kind of key you have, it is crucial that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle was opened or altered. This will make it extremely hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll notice 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 groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to determine whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands. If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to call an expert locksmith who has the right equipment to make these types of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit won't be able make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of keys. A locksmith will use a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they don't contain electronic components or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key. It's recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. So, 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 without having to pay to have it towed back at the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car however, your car likely has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. Getting your car key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and whether it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in different shapes and sizes however the most expensive one is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company such as Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges which could save you around $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that has the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.