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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service.When you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key.Mechanical KeysIt wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big deal. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it is much more expensive to replace keys lost.The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, replacement keys for car of key doesn't come with chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine.This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an auto dealership service professional.The cost to have an electronic key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you always have a backup key and keep it somewhere secure.There are five different types of car keys, so it's crucial to know the type you have before seeking help to replace it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10.The second type of car key is the transponder with an embedded security chip that transmits an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and enable the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with special tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.Transponder KeysCars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is close to your car or inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.The cost of a new transponder keys is typically higher than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option since they have the most knowledge of programming these keys, and they can offer you a better price.Many automotive manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key works with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote.Certain newer vehicles have a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle.It is essential that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle was opened or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.Laser-Cut KeysIf you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from the top, it is easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're easy to identify also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while at work or running around.If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. In most cases your local hardware store will not be able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the key's metal. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will be found from the VIN and the key will then be cut to match the specifications of your car.Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.Keep a spare car key in your possession just in case. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be towed to the dealer.FobsThere's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is usually better to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as much as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.The loss of your car key was once a hassle. It's now a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them.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 within the same fob. This "smart key" has a spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than regular remote-controlled ones and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace.If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that has the identical model, year, and make as the original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.