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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO' best site can help you quickly get back on the road. It is a good plan to purchase a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this more convenient, we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace lost keys. Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely. It's important to identify the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips which sends a signal to the computer in the vehicle to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specialized tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. It could cost you $500 or more depending on your car's make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. best site incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is placed close to your car or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is great because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it. A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular key however, it's because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options before you purchase your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated as they require a specific 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 is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. No matter what kind of key you have regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they see indications that your car has been opened or damaged. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to steal or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade – instead t here 's a groove which cuts to a specific depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you misplace your keys while at work or doing around. If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to provide you with the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be found from the VIN and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are different from a regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a total rebuild of the entire key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you happen to lose your car keys. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without needing to pay to have it tow back at the dealership. Fobs You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's better to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your specific car and can ensure that it's done correctly. Getting your car key fob changed can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to take keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them. These new keys come in different dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This “smart key” comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that can program your automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that is the same year, model and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.