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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It is never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this easier, we have created a list of how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could simply buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's much more costly to replace keys that have been lost. Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They will usually be able to copy a basic metal key and do so for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that must be programmed to work properly. This can only be done by a professional who is aware of what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. Click Home is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely. There are five different types of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common however, you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for about $10. The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be duplicated using specialized tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more based on the car's make and model. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize an embedded microchip in the key to connect with your car. When the key is near to your vehicle, or when it is inserted into the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that tells your car to begin. This is a wonderful feature to have because it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and drive off with it. Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by most locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car 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 offer you a more competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft systems in place. This is why it's crucial to research the most important options prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key is compatible with it and whether it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your car. Whatever type of key you've got regardless of the type, it is essential that you never try to break into your own vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been forced open or damaged. It will be very difficult to get a new key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch along the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a certain depth in the middle of the face of the key. This makes it easy to differentiate between authentic and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if you have your key lost while you're doing errands or working. 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. In the majority of cases your local hardware store isn't able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs. Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are not like normal transponder keys because they do not have electronic components or chips that can be replaced. They have to be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key. It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car keys. You can then contact an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can get back into your car without having to pay for it to be tow by the dealer. Fobs If you do not own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that permit you to unlock and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process but it's generally best to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in the specific vehicle you have to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly. The cost of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle, but now it's an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one with transponder and a mechanical key is most expensive. The “smart” key features a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked into a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob for an affordable price compared to the price a dealership will charge, costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as your original so that it can be programmed to work with your car.