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 get back on the roads Before you lose your key, it is a good idea to have a spare We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace the car key Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge issue You could just purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it is more expensive to replace a lost key The cheapest way to do this is to get an auto locksmith They are usually able to duplicate keys made of metal for less than 50 However, this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine Modern car keys come with transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly This can only by done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service The cost of having an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than 300 https//maddox-cooneyfederatedjournalscom/five-replacement-key-for-car-lessons-from-the-professionals is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place There are five different types of car keys, so it's crucial to know the type you have before getting help with replacing it A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your vehicle These aren't common anymore, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around 10 The next type is the transponder car key It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and begin the engine It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specific tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car The cost for this could be up to 500 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their car They incorporate a microchip in the key When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft It also makes it difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it off and drive off with it The cost of a new transponder keys is typically higher than a conventional key, but that is because it needs to be programmed It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your car dealer if they can do it They are the best choice because they have the most experience in programming these keys and can give you a better rate Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car You should be able find out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it Some newer cars come equipped with a transponder system for passwords They are a little more complicated because they require a specific key tool to program them However they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they're used This means that if your key were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car Whatever type of key you have, it is crucial to never attempt to break into your own vehicle yourself This can raise alarms with insurance companies Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged It can be extremely difficult to obtain a replacement key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a key made of metal Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade Instead there's a groove that cuts to a certain depth across the middle of the key's face When looking at the key from above it's easy to determine if it's a fake or not The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while at work or running for errands If your key is a laser-cut one, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements Your local hardware store will not be able to make you the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob A locksmith will employ a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the key's metal, which will cut off the entire surface of the key to the desired length The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not contain any electronic components or chips that can be changed They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in case So, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you'll have access to your car again without having to pay to get it tow back at the dealership Fobs If you don't own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without having a key These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it is generally best to have your dealer do it They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost as much as 500, based on the kind of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now an actual issue The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys The new keys come in various shapes and sizes, but the most expensive one is one that includes a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob The "smart" key comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds in the fob to form a switchblade It is less likely to be lost or put in a coat pocket They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace If you have a spare key fob that works in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of automobiles You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than the price a dealership will charge, thereby saving up to 200 or more Make sure you purchase a fob and a key that is the same model, year and model as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle