How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service. If you lose your keys It is recommended to have a spare made. To make this more convenient we've created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern cars are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key. Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key and do so at a cost of $50 or less. This type of key does not have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional that knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional. The cost of having a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place. It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The second type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that sends a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and begin the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specialized tools that only a locksmith or a car dealer has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more based on the car's model and make. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to connect with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is placed into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends a code to signal your car to start. This is a great feature to have since it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder key is typically higher than a conventional key, but only because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by the majority of locksmiths, however it is best to inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to give you an affordable price. Many automotive manufacturers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with transponder password systems. They are a little more complex as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been copied, it will not work with your car. Regardless of what type of key you have, it is crucial that you never try to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This can cause alarms to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see signs that the car has been tampered with or opened. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to take or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they have a groove cut to a specific depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it very easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands. If you own an uncut laser key, you will need to contact an expert locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these types of keys. A locksmith uses a machine that looks very similar to a standard drill to cut the key's metal, which will be able to cut the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The key's unique code can be found from the VIN and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-replacements-near-me/ -cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. This way you'll be able contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership. Fobs You may not own an old classic vehicle but your vehicle probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it's best to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include 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 key was a hassle, but now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal the keys. The new keys are available in various sizes and shapes, but the one that has both transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob, similar to the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in the pocket of a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer. If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might be interested in purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.