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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads. It is a good plan to purchase a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace lost keys. The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. automotive car key replacement are usually capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This type of key isn't equipped with a chip, and will not be able unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys have transponders or chips which must be programmed to work properly. 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 professional who is a service expert. 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. It is best to always keep a spare key and store it safely. There are five types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10. The second type of car key is the transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and is only possible with specialized tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is near to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. However, it makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn your car on and then drive off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is usually higher than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it needs to be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally competent to program the transponder key, however it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it also. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you the most competitive price. Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However, they are more secure because they employ rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been duplicated, it won't work with your car. please click the next internet page is essential that you do not try to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. This could make it hard to get replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they have a groove that is cut to a certain depth along the face of the key. When you look at the key from above it's easy to tell whether it's fake or not. They are easy to recognize and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands. If you own keys that have been laser-cut, you will need to contact a professional locksmith with the equipment to make these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to mill the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to the specifications of your car. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key. It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut and program the key for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to get it tow back by the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys contain special electronic chips that need to be programmed to work with the vehicle you own. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you however it's recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain However, now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can take them. The advances in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in different dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to be lost or hidden in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program various vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership will charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that has the same model, year and make as the original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.