How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. It is a good idea to purchase an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier we've created a guide on how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's much more expensive to replace lost keys. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key and do so for about $50 or less. This type of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work properly. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-replacements-near-me/ is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional. The cost of mechanical keys is affordable, however the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key in your car and keep it in a safe place. There are five types of car keys, so it's important to know the type you have before seeking help to replace it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The second type of car key is a transponder key with an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This type of key is more difficult to copy than a mechanical key, and can only be copied using special tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on the car's make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it. Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key however, it's because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they are able to do it. They are the best option as they have the best expertise in programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your car. No matter what kind of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies. Many mechanics won't help you if they notice indications that your car has been opened or damaged. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to identify whether it's fake or not. They are easy to recognize, so you won't get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while working or running errands. If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to create the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface until it is the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN and the key will be cut to match your vehicle's specifications. In contrast to regular transponder keys laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive since they require a full reconstruction of the key. It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car key. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer. Fobs You might not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Fortunately, some locksmiths can assist you in this process however it's better to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly. Getting your car key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This does not include the cost of a mechanical backup key that you may need in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's a real problem. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advancements in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive is one that includes the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. This "smart" key has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program various vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for less than the price a dealership will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your vehicle.