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. If you lose your keys it is recommended to have a spare. To make it easier we've put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. An auto locksmith can be the cheapest alternative. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys have transponders or chips that must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional. The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place. There are five distinct types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before getting help with replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more, depending on your car's make and model. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is placed close to your car or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with the most competitive price. Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your vehicle. It is important that you don't attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the kind of key. https://foley-holdt.blogbright.net/10-mobile-apps-that-are-the-best-for-car-keys-lost-replacement can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice indications that your car has been opened or altered. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to lose or steal than a metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth along the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference 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 your key is lost while you're doing errands or working. If you own an uncut laser key, you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able create the replacement key laser-cut because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code can be retrieved from the VIN and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications. In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, the chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start your car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. The loss of your car key was once a hassle. Now, it's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can take keys. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. These new keys come in different sizes and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart key" features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds down into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself around $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.