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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. When you lose your key, it is an ideal idea to have a spare made. We have put together a guide on the cost to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big problem. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace a lost key. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. This type of key isn't equipped with chip and will not be able unlock doors or start an engine. Modern car keys include transponders, or chips, that need to be programmed in order to function properly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer service professional. The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have a backup key, and keep it somewhere safe. There are five types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. They're not as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The next kind of car key is the transponder that 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 type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it deters 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 purchasing a new transponder keys is typically higher than a standard key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you the most competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own unique anti-theft systems in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which type of key is compatible with it and if it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with transponder password systems. They are a little more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were cloned it would not work in your car. Regardless of what type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential to never attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics won't help you if they see signs that your vehicle was opened or altered. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a vehicle equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's a lot harder to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade – instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish 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're less likely to risk getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or doing for errands. If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact a locksmith that has specialized equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able make you the replacement key laser-cut since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will use an instrument that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key. Keep at least one spare car key in your car just in case. keys replacement can then call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can be back in your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car, but your car probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. That doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car key was an inconvenience however, it's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern cars have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to take them. The advances in technology for car keys have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as a mechanical key is most expensive. This “smart key” has an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to be lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work with another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself around $200 or more. Just make sure the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as your previous to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.