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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road fast with Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea 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 Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more expensive to replace lost keys. The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They usually can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. This is due to the fact that modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed in order to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even a car dealership service professional. The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and that you keep it in a safe place. There are five types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your car. These aren't common anymore, but you should be able find them at your local hardware store for around $10. The next type of car key is the transponder key that has an embedded security chip that transmits a signal to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and it is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. It can cost as high as $500 or more depending on the make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by automobiles to connect with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is put into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is an excellent feature to have since it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn your car on and take it away. A transponder key is slightly more than a regular key, but that's only because it has to be programmed. car key replacements is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. This is because they usually have the most experience with these kinds of keys, and may be able to provide you with a more competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms. This is why it's essential to research all the key options before you purchase your next car. You should be able find out what type of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires the use of a 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. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car. Whatever vehicle key replacement of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been opened or tampered with. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. When you look at the key from above it's easy to determine whether it's fake or not. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands. If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able make you a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this type of key fob. A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then obtained from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are different from a traditional transponder keys since they don't contain electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced by the new model. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key on hand in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start your car without having a key. The keys contain electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it is usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car key fob could be as high as $500 depending on whether it is smart key or remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen. The loss of your car keys used to be an inconvenience. It's now a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them. The new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes however the most expensive is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. The “smart” key has a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be duplicated to work in another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who can program various vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob for a much lower cost than what a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a fob and a key that is the same year, model and make as the original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.