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 return to the roads. It is a good plan to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier we have created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace a lost key. The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't have a chip 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 to function correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. https://articlescad.com/11-ways-to-completely-redesign-your-car-keys-replacement-89248.html is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely. It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The next type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using specialized tools that are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. https://blogfreely.net/cobwebgalley1/10-best-facebook-pages-of-all-time-emergency-car-key-replacement could cost you $500 or more based on the model and make. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They use microchips in the keys. When the key is near to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and then drive off with it. The cost of a new transponder keys is typically higher than a standard key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to offer you the most competitive price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle. It is important to not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. This will make it extremely difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. https://morrison-brix.mdwrite.net/14-businesses-doing-a-superb-job-at-lost-key-replacement-car-1726418818 with laser cutting do not have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth along the key's face. When looking at the key from above it's easy to tell if it's a fake or not. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if your key is lost while doing errands or working. If you have a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit will not be able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs. A locksmith will use a machine that looks very like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key. This 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 cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys differ from regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic components or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you so that you can have access to your car again, without having to pay to get it towed back to the dealership. Fobs Unless you own an old classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without having a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can perform this reprogramming, however it's better to let your dealer do it. They have the necessary tools and are familiar with the specific vehicle you have, which can ensure 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. That's not even including the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle, but now it's a major issue. This is because modern vehicles have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it harder for thieves. These new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes however the most expensive one is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key in the same fob. The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare fob that can be used in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than the price a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you purchase a key and fob that has the same year, model and make as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.