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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. It is a good plan to buy an extra key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace keys for cars. car key replacement , misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's more expensive to replace lost keys. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. This kind of key does not have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys have transponders, or chips, that must be programmed properly. This is only done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional. The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place. It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10. The next kind of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with specialized tools, which 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 car. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize 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 an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it deters theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to turn on your car and take it away. The cost of a brand new transponder key is usually higher than a conventional key, but only because it needs to be programmed. Most locksmiths will be competent to program a transponder key, but it is best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best option as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and will offer you a better price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key it is compatible with and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are a bit more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your car yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they observe signs that your car was opened or damaged. It is very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to steal or lose than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade – instead there's a groove that cuts to a set depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out if your key is lost while doing errands or working. If you have a laser-cut key, then you will need to contact a professional locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit won't be able make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs. A locksmith will use a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to match your vehicle's specifications. In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key. Keep a spare car key in your possession just in case of. That way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you'll have access to your car again without having to pay to have it tow-back to 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 your car without a key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it's best to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed. The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you use and if it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob gets lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle, but now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can take keys. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. These new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key within the same fob. This “smart key” features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer. If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that can program your automobiles. automotive car key replacement might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealer will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that has the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.