How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads. It is a good plan to buy a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on how much it costs to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could simply 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 keys that have been lost. The cheapest method of doing this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This kind of key isn't equipped with chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine. This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function properly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, such as a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional. The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it safe. There are five distinct kinds of car keys, so it's crucial to know which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. An older, standard car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common however you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for $10. The next kind of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the car's model and make. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car. They are equipped with microchips in the keys. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it. The cost of purchasing a new transponder keys is typically slightly more expensive than a conventional key, but only because it has to be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming the transponder key, however it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it as well. http://www.stes.tyc.edu.tw/xoops/ are the best option since they have the most experience in programming these keys, and they can provide you with a better price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able find out which type of key will work with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder. http://digitalmaine.net/mediawiki3/index.php?title=locklearhowe6253 are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car. It is important that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they notice signs that your car was opened or damaged. https://www.adpost4u.com/user/profile/2445918 can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll notice that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that is cut to a particular depth on the face of the key. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to identify whether it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you lose your key while you're working or running errands. If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit will not be able to provide you with the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob. A locksmith uses an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be extracted from the VIN, and the key will be cut to meet the specifications of your vehicle. Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they don't contain electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in the event that you accidentally lose your car keys. This way, you'll be able to call the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you so that you gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to have it tow-back at the dealership. Fobs You might not have an old classic car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you however it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might want to have in case your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car key was a pain, but now it's a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This "smart key" comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than regular remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and could be duplicated, think about trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm like Amazon or a third-party key and lock specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself around $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.