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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service. It is a good idea to order a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this easier we've created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big issue. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace a lost key. Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest alternative. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key for about $50 or less. However, this type of key doesn't come with an electronic chip, and therefore isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys have transponders or chips that must be programmed in order to function properly. This can only be accomplished 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 having a mechanical key copied is relatively low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it safe. There are five kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before getting help with replacing it. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you can find 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 which sends a signal to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be duplicated using special tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or car dealer. The cost for this could be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a great feature because it deters theft. However, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar requires both the right key and the transmitter to turn on your car and drive away with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by many locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. They are the best option because they have the most experience in programming these keys and will offer you a better price. Many automotive manufacturers 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 to find out which kind of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. key replacement car are a bit more complicated because they require a particular key tool 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 cloned it would not work in your car. No matter what kind of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to break into your own car yourself. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out particularly if they notice signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove cut to a particular depth along the face of the key. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. They are easy to spot and will not get locked out if your key is lost while working or running errands. If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. The hardware store you visit is unlikely to be able create the replacement key laser-cut as they lack the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob. A locksmith will employ a machine that appears similar to a standard drill to cut the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any chips or electronics inside of them that can be replaced, so they have to be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive due to the full reconstruction of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case of. You can then call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your vehicle without having to pay for it to be towed by the dealer. Fobs You may not have an old classic car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys have special electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can do this reprogramming for you but it's generally better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is a smart key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen. The loss of your car key was once a source of frustration. Now, it's a huge problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that the modern automobiles have made keys so easy to use and strong that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys. These new keys come in different dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive is one that has the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” features a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, like an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in pockets like a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the help of a dealership to replace. If you have an additional fob that is compatible with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in another vehicle, you may want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for much cheaper than the cost a dealership will charge which could save you around $200 or more. Be sure to purchase the fob and key that is the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.