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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO’s Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.It is a good plan to order an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost.Mechanical KeysNot too long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big deal. You could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, today’s cars are much more technologically advanced and it’s more expensive to replace keys that have been lost.Employing an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key isn’t equipped with chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start an engine.This is because modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer service professional.The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely.It’s crucial to know the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. Keys like these aren’t as popular however they are available at your local home improvement store for about $10.The second type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle’s computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost of this service can be as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.Transponder KeysCars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is near to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a great feature because it stops theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and drive away with it.The cost of a brand new transponder key is typically higher than a traditional key, but only because it must be programmed as well. Locksmiths are generally able to program keys that have transponders, but it is best to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it as well. They are the best option as they have the best knowledge of programming these keys and can offer you a better price.Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car.Whatever type of key you’ve got regardless of the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could cause alarms to insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe indications that your car was opened or tampered with. It can be extremely difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert.Laser-Cut KeysA key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade – instead there’s a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key’s face. This makes it very easy to differentiate between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. The fact that they’re so easy to spot also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you’re working or doing for errands.If you own a laser-cut key, then you’ll need to call a professional locksmith with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn’t likely to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, as they lack the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob.Locksmiths use 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 can be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet the specifications of your car.Laser-cut keys are different from a normal transponder keys because they don’t contain electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced with the new model. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key.Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case. This way, you’ll be able to call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you, so that you have access to your car without having to pay to get it tow back by the dealership.FobsThere’s a chance that you don’t have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it’s usually better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed.The cost of getting your car’s key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it’s smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn’t include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen.It was once the case that losing your car keys was a pain, but now it’s a major issue. That’s because modern cars have made the keys so convenient and capable that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys.The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. They’re generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the help of a dealer to replace.If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for many different vehicles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you as much as $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that has the same year, model and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.