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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of your car keys is never an enjoyable experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the roads. If you lose your keys it is recommended to make a backup. To make this easier we have put together a guide to how much replacement car keys cost. Mechanical Keys It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys or losing it was not a big issue. You could buy an extra and put it in the ignition. However, today's cars are much more advanced in technology and it's more expensive to replace the key that was lost. Employing an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They are usually able to copy a basic metal key for about $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have a chip and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys come with transponders or chips which must be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service. The cost to have an electronic key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key and keep it safe. It is important to determine the type of car keys you own before seeking assistance. A more traditional, older car key has a traditional 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 should be able find them at your local hardware store for about $10. The second type of car key is the transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specialized tools that are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, depending on the model and make of your car. 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 into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have since it helps to prevent theft. However, it makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and then drive off with it. The cost of a new transponder key is usually slightly more expensive than a traditional key, but this is due to the fact that it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder by many locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer about whether they are able to do it. They are the best choice as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and can offer you a better price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key it is compatible with and if it requires a wireless remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder password system. They are more complicated as they require specialized tools to program them. However, they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your vehicle. It is essential that you do not try to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the kind of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could cause many mechanics to refuse to help you out, especially if they see evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or forced open. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so you should contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's much harder to lose or steal than a conventional metal key. 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 differentiate between a genuine and fake key when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to identify also means that you can avoid getting locked out if you misplace your key while you're at work or doing around. If your key is laser-cut, you'll need to contact locksmiths that have equipment for making these kinds of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit won't be able make a new laser-cut key because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these kinds of key fobs. A locksmith will employ an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the key's metal. This will cut all the surface to the desired length. The unique code of the key is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys differ from traditional transponder keys since they do not contain any electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They have to be destroyed and replaced with an entirely new model. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. Keep at least one spare car key in your possession in case of case of. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again without having to pay to get it tow-back to the dealership. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that permit you to open and start the car without a key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that must be programmed in order to function with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you, though it's usually recommended to let your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are knowledgeable about your specific car and can ensure that it's done right. Getting your car key fob replaced can cost up to $500, based on the type of key you drive and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, says that modern automobiles have made keys so useful and reliable that thieves are able to steal them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the most expensive one is one that includes an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key within the same fob. The “smart” key comes with an elongated shank that is spring loaded and can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than standard remote-controlled fobs, and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work with another vehicle, you may be interested in purchasing a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist that offers programming for many different vehicles. You may find you can cut and program your own fob for less than a dealership charges, saving yourself as much as $200 or more. Just make sure car key replacement and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so that it can be programmed to work with your car.