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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 plan to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a huge issue. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it is much more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. The cheapest method of doing this is to hire an auto locksmith. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key and do so for around $50 or less. This kind of key does not have chip and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines. This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to function correctly. This can only be accomplished by a professional who understands what they're doing, such as an auto locksmith in your area or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap, but the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place. There are five different types of car keys available, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to turn on your car. These keys aren't as common however, you should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The next type of car key is a transponder key, which has an embedded security chip that transmits an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and allow the engine to start. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with special tools, which are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it sends an electronic code that tells your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and then drive off with it. The cost of a brand new transponder keys is typically a little more expensive than a standard key, but only because it needs to be programmed as well. It is possible to program a key transponder with many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price. Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. This is why it is important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are a bit more complicated because they require a special 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 even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your vehicle. It is important that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies. Many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they notice signs that your car was opened or tampered with. This could make it difficult to obtain a replacement, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys A key that has been laser-cut is much more difficult to take or lose than a traditional key. The keys don't have a notch along their edge. Instead, they have a groove that's cut to a specific depth on the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to determine whether it's fake or not. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you misplace your keys while working or doing around. If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store won't be able create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these types of keys. A locksmith will employ an instrument that resembles the drill used in standard homes to mill the key's metal. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is then cut according 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 must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. car key replacement near me is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. It's a good idea to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you do accidentally lose your car key. You can then contact a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed to the dealer. Fobs Unless you own an old classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the car without a key. These keys have special computer chips that must be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming, but it is generally better to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the tools needed. The cost of getting your car's key fob replaced can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you use and whether it's a smart or remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of purchasing a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your key fob goes missing or stolen. The loss of your car key used to be an inconvenience. Now it's a serious issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves can steal keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys come in different shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” features an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds into the fob like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to be lost or get tucked away in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance 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 an independent key and lock specialist that can program your automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Just make sure the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your original so it can be coded to work with your vehicle.