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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry with Emergency Roadside Service. If you lose your keys It is recommended to make a backup. To make this more convenient we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing a key or losing it was not a big issue. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. Today, however, automobiles are more technologically advanced, and it's more costly to replace keys that have been lost. Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They can usually copy a metal key for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't come with chips and won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine. This is because modern automobile keys come with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed to function correctly. This can only by done by a professional that knows what they are doing, such as the local locksmith or car dealer professional who is a service expert. The cost to have a mechanical key copied is relatively low however programming the chip used in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and store it safely. It's crucial to know the type of car keys you have before seeking help. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder and then turned to start your car. They're not as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The next type is a transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip which sends a signal to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a basic mechanical key, and is only possible to copy it using specialized tools that only a locksmith or dealer can access. The cost for this can be as high as $500 or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by cars to communicate with their vehicle. They incorporate microchips in the keys. When the key is placed in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is great because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult since a thief will require both the correct key and transmitter in order to turn on your car and drive away with it. The cost of a new transponder key is typically higher than a traditional key, but that is because it must be programmed as well. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but you should always ask your car dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option because they have the most experience in programming these keys and can offer you a better price. A lot of automakers have their own distinct anti-theft strategies in place. It is important to do your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key works with it and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder. These are a bit more complex as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key was cloned it would not work in your car. No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial that you never try to gain entry into your car yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help in the event of signs that the car has been tampered with or forced open. It is very difficult to get a new key, so contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout expert. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to steal or lose than a key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edge of the blade – instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between a genuine and fake key when you look at it from above. car key fob replacement that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of getting locked out if you happen to misplace your keys while working or running for errands. If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to 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 will employ an apparatus that looks like 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 obtained from the VIN and the key is then cut to the specifications of your vehicle. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, which means that they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive because they require a complete rebuild of the key. It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key in your possession in case you happen to lose your car key. That way you'll be able call the locksmith and have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it towed back to the dealership. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, chances that your car is equipped with one of the latest high-tech fobs that allow you to unlock and start the car without a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips which need to be programmed to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able do this reprogramming but it is usually better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools. The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may want in case your fob gets lost or stolen. The loss of your car keys was once a hassle. Now it's a serious problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves can take keys. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal keys. The new keys are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the one with transponder and mechanical keys is the most expensive. This “smart” key has a spring-loaded shank that folds into the fob like an e-switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and could require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and that can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you might want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a company like Amazon or a key and lock specialist who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself around $200 or more. Be sure that the new fob and key you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.