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 a good idea to make a backup. To make this easier, we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more costly to replace keys lost. Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys include transponders or chips which must be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place. There are five distinct types of car keys available, so it's important to know the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The second type of car key is a transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. It could cost you $500 or more based on your car's make and model. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is near to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is a great feature as it wards off theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it. Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key but that's only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option because they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your car. Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth along the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to identify whether it's fake or not. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working. If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of keys. A locksmith will use a machine 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 will then be found from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key. Keep a spare car key in your car just in the event of. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed back to the dealer. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-van-locks-near-me/ There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly. The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost up to $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's an actual issue. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare fob that works in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that can program your automobiles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that is the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it can be programmed to your vehicle.