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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? The loss of your car keys is never a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. It is a good idea to buy a spare key prior to the time you lose yours. To make this more convenient 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 deal. You could purchase an extra and put it in the ignition. Nowadays, however, cars are more technologically advanced, and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key doesn't have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to work correctly. This is only done by a professional that is knowledgeable about what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service. The cost of mechanical keys is inexpensive, however the programming chip that is used in the latest cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you have a backup key and keep it somewhere safe. There are five different types of car keys available, therefore it is important to identify the type you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. A standard, older car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to turn on your vehicle. These keys aren't as common however you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for less than $10. The second type is the transponder car key. g28carkeys has embedded security microchips that sends a message to the vehicle's computers to open the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and is only possible with specialized tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith dealer of cars. This can cost up to $500 or more based on your car's make and model. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are used by vehicles to communicate with their car. They use an embedded microchip inside the key. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This feature is beneficial because it stops theft. However, it also makes stealing your car much more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and transmitter in order to start your car and then drive off with it. Transponder keys cost a little bit more than a regular key, however, this is because it must be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but you should always ask your dealer if they can do it. This is because they typically have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to offer you the most competitive price. Many automakers have their own unique anti-theft mechanisms in place. This is why it's important to research the key options prior to purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key will work with it and whether it requires the use of a remote to unlock it. Certain newer vehicles have transponder password systems. They are more complicated as they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure because they employ rolling code encryption that changes the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were duplicated, it wouldn't work in your car. It is crucial that you do not try to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the kind of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to assist you, especially if they see evidence that the car has been tampered with or forced open. It will be very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional key made of metal. The keys don't have notches cut along the edge of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from above it's easy to tell if it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out if your key is lost while you're working or running errands. If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store will not be able to provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will employ a machine that looks very like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The unique key's code is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronics or chips that can be replaced. They must be destroyed and replaced by an entirely new model. Laser-cut keys are expensive due to the complete rebuild of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your car just in the event of. Then, you can call a locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so that you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer. Fobs You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able perform this reprogramming, however it's recommended to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools. The cost of having your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include cost of a mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob is lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience However, now it's a major issue. The reason is that modern cars have made keys so convenient and effective that thieves can now take them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. The advances in car key technologies 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 that has both transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This “smart” key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds into the fob like the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or hidden into a coat pocket. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealer. If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob for less than what a dealer will charge, thereby which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy the fob and key that's the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.