How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. Before you lose your key, it is recommended to make a backup. To make it easier, we have created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost. Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys come with transponders, also known as chips, that need to be programmed correctly. This can only by done by a professional who knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional. https://telegra.ph/20-Fun-Informational-Facts-About-Key-Replacement-For-Car-09-13 to have a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place. There are five different kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. Keys like these aren't as popular however you can find them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The next type of car key is the transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer in the car. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on your car's make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They are equipped with an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is near to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to turn your car on and drive away with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically higher than a conventional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so also. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price. Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated because they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is copied, it will not work with your car. Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and will cause many mechanics to refuse to help in the event of indications that your vehicle has been damaged or opened. This could make it hard to get a replacement, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're working or running errands. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to call an expert locksmith who has the necessary equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to make you a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob. A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to cut the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will then be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronic chips or electronics which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key. It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer. Fobs There's a chance that you don't 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 function with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming but it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are knowledgeable about your particular car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain However, now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to steal them. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it harder for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart" key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden in a pocket of a coat. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones 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 copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many automobiles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that is the identical model, year, and make as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.