How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service. Before you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare made. To make this easier, we have put together a guide to the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could buy an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's much more costly to replace lost keys. An auto locksmith can be the cheapest option. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine. This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or a car dealership service professional. The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and keep it in a safe place. There are five different types of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10. The next type of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. It could cost you $500 or more based on the car's make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is close to your vehicle or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This feature is great as it wards off theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order 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 only because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out what type of key will work with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car. No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your car has been forced open or tampered with. It is very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a specific depth on the key's face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from above. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running around. If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases the hardware store you visit will not be able to make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of key fobs. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will remove 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 then be cut to meet the specifications of your car. In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key. It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car keys. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you can have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it tow back by the dealership. https://gratisafhalen.be/author/ouncesmile7/ might not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's recommended to let your dealer do 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 replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it's smart key or remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle However, now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern cars have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves can take them. The advancements in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in different shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This "smart key" has an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer. If you have a spare fob that is in your car and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge and save yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that's the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.