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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads. It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a list on the price to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big problem. You could buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy keys made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine. This is because modern automobile keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who knows what they're doing, such as the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it in a safe place. It's important to identify the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, older car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your car. They're not as common, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The second type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and it can only be copied with specific tools that only a locksmith or dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to connect with their car. They incorporate a microchip in the key. When the key is close to your car, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a great feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and the transmitter in order to turn your car on and then drive off with it. Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular key, however, it's because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally competent to program keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to program it also. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to provide you with the most competitive price. Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out what type of key works with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption that changes the password each time they are 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 the type, it is essential that you do not attempt to break into your own car yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of evidence that the car has been tampered with or forced open. This could make it difficult to obtain an exchange, so make sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to lose or steal than a key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead t here 's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you lose your keys while working or running for errands. If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able create the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob. Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys differ from normal transponder keys because they do not contain any electronics or chips which can be altered. They have to be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key. Keep a spare car key in your car just in case of. You can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow to the dealer. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to 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. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually best to have your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right. The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car keys was a hassle However, now it's an actual issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys that convenient and powerful that thieves can steal keys. The advancements in car key technologies have made it more difficult for thieves. These new keys come in various sizes and shapes and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” comes with a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside the pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than the price a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.