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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the road. If you lose your keys It is a good idea to have a spare. We have put together a guide on the price to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key. Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable option. They usually can duplicate keys made of metal for less than $50. However, this type of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, which must be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of mechanical keys is low, but the programming chip in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place. There are five different kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to receiving assistance in replacing it. A more traditional, older car key has a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. These keys aren't as common, but you can find them at your local home improvement store for $10. The next kind of car key is the transponder that has an embedded security chip that sends a signal 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 key, and can only be duplicated using specialized tools that are accessible to a locksmith car dealer. 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 microchips inside the key to communicate with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This feature is beneficial as it wards off theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult since a thief will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it. Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to give you a more competitive price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it's crucial to research the most important 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. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car. It is crucial that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This could trigger alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your vehicle has been opened or altered. This could make it difficult to obtain an exchange, so make certain to contact an expert Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much harder to take or lose than a traditional key. These keys have no notches cut along the edges of the blade – instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth up the middle of the key's face. When looking at key replacements from the top it's easy to tell whether it's a fake or not. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working. If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. In the majority of cases your local hardware store will not be able to create a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs. A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very similar to a standard 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 extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside them that could be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a total rebuild of the entire key. Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in case. That way, you'll be able to call the locksmith and cut it and program it for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle without having to pay to get it towed back at the dealership. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, the chances that your car is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the vehicle without the need for a key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming but it is usually best to let your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed. key replacement of replacing your car's key fob could be as high as $500, depending on whether it's a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle however, it's now a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern cars have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to steal them. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves. These new keys come in various shapes and sizes and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that has a transponder and a mechanical key in the same fob. This “smart key” features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, like the switchblade, making it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than simple remote-controlled keys, and may have to be replaced by a dealer. If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you might think about purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a key and lock specialist that offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at a much lower cost than what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, model and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.