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It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road.

If you lose your keys, it is recommended to have a spare made. To make this easier, we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost.

Mechanical Keys

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a huge deal. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. Today, however, 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 employ an auto locksmith. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key for about $50 or less. This type of key doesn't have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines.

Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional in service.

The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip that is used in a modern car will usually cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key and keep it in a safe place.

It's crucial to know the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for about $10.

The next kind of car key is a transponder key that has an embedded security chip that sends a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are used by automobiles to communicate with their car. They use a microchip in the key. When the key is placed close to your car or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code which signals your car to begin. This is a great feature because it stops theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car, as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it.

The cost of a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a standard key, but that is because it has to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you an affordable price.

Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it is crucial to research the most important options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it, and whether or not it requires an unlocking device via a remote.

Certain newer vehicles have a transponder password system. They are a little more complicated because they require a special 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.

Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you never try to gain entry into your car yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they see indications that your car was opened or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist.

Laser-Cut Keys

It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade - instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from above. They are easy to recognize and will not get locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working.

If you have keys that have been laser-cut, you'll need to talk to a locksmith professional with the equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these types of keys.

Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key car replacement is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications.

Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key.

It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer.

Fobs

There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys have special electronic car key replacement chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and possess all the tools needed.

The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen.

It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain, but now it's a real problem. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves are now able to steal 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 different dimensions and shapes, but the one with 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, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer.

If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealership would charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.