How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to order an extra 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, losing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more expensive to replace keys lost. An auto locksmith can be the most affordable option. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock 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 to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in the latest cars will typically cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe. There are five different kinds of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. These keys aren't as common however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the car's make and model. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it. A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular one, but that's only because it has to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be able to program the transponder key, however it is best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to do this as well. They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can give you a better rate. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. However they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your car. It is important that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your car has been opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a new 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, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to tell whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or running for errands. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call a locksmith professional with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store isn't able to create an original laser-cut key since they don't have the tools required to cut and program these kinds of keys. A locksmith will use a machine that looks very 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 unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive since they require a complete rebuild of the key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start your vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with the car you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process but it's generally recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/ford-car-key-replacements-near-me/ of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen. The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. It's now a major problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. 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 get lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that can program your vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.