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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO can help you get back on the road fast by providing Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good plan to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make it easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, losing or losing the car key was not a big problem. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more advanced in technology, and it's more costly to replace keys lost. An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a basic metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this type of key isn't equipped with a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys have transponders or chips that need to be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional who is knowledgeable about what they are doing, like the local locksmith or car dealer service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively inexpensive, however the programming chip used in a modern car will usually cost you more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely. There are five kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have prior to seeking help to replace it. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common however you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10. The next type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be duplicated using special tools that are accessible to a locksmith car dealer. This can cost up to $500 or more, depending on your car's make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They are equipped with a microchip in the key. When the key is placed in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it helps to prevent theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter in order to start your car and drive away with it. A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular key however, it's because it needs to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to inquire with your car dealer whether they are able to program it as well. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with the most competitive price. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next car. You will be able to figure out which kind of key will work with it and whether it requires a remote to unlock it. Certain newer cars are equipped with a transponder system for passwords. They are a little more complicated as they require a particular key tool to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car. It is essential that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This can raise red flags with insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much harder to steal or lose than a key made of metal. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a certain depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from the top it's easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to spot also means that you're less likely to risk being locked out in the event that you lose your key while you're at work or doing around. If you own a laser-cut key, then you'll need to talk to a professional locksmith who has the right equipment to create these kinds of replacements. Most of the time your local hardware store won't be able make you an original laser-cut key since they don't have the equipment needed to cut and program these kinds of key fobs. Locksmiths use an apparatus that looks like the drill used in standard homes to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface until it is the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key. Keep a spare car key in your possession just in the event of. You can then call 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 towed to the dealer. Fobs You might not have an old-fashioned car but your vehicle probably uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without the need for a traditional key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. There are locksmiths who can assist you in this process however it's recommended to let your dealer handle it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your particular car and can ensure that it's done correctly. The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key that you might want to have in case your key fob goes missing or stolen. The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now, cost of a car key replacement 's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that useful and reliable that thieves can take keys. The advances in the technology of car keys have made it more difficult for thieves. The new keys come in various dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key in the same fob. The “smart” key comes with a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare key fob that is in your car and can be duplicated, think about trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key specialist which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your car.