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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly return to the road. Before you lose your key it is a good idea to make a backup. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to get an auto locksmith. They are usually able to duplicate a key made of metal for less than $50. This kind of key doesn't have a chip, and therefore will not be able to unlock doors or start engines. Modern car keys come with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, like an experienced locksmith in your area or a car dealer professional in service. The cost of having an electronic key copied is fairly low however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key and keep it in a safe place. There are five distinct kinds of car keys, therefore it is important to identify which one you have before receiving assistance in replacing it. An older, standard car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder, and turned to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, they are available at your local home improvement store for $10. The next kind of car key is a transponder key with an embedded security chip that sends an electronic signal to the car's computer system to open the doors and enable the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key, and can only be copied with special tools that only a locksmith or a dealer in the car industry has access to. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the make and model. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use a microchip inside of the key that communicates with your car. When the key is inserted in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This feature is great because it stops theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car because a burglar will need both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could drive off with it. The cost of a new transponder key is typically slightly more expensive than a standard key, but only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by the majority of locksmiths, however you should always inquire with your dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys, and may be able to offer you the most competitive price. Many automakers have their own anti-theft systems. This is why it is essential to research all the key options prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. They are a little more complex as they require a particular key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, as they use rolling-code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key is duplicated, it won't work with your vehicle. Regardless of what type of key you've got, it is crucial to never attempt to open the door of your vehicle by yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they notice signs that your car was opened or altered. It is very difficult to obtain a replacement key, so make sure you contact an Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much harder to lose or steal than a metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade – instead there's a groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from above. They are easy to spot and you won't be locked out if your key is lost while you're doing errands or working. If your key is laser-cut you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store isn't likely to provide you with an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. automotive car key replacement will employ a machine that looks very like a regular drill to mill the metal of the key, which will remove the entire surface of the key to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut to meet your vehicle's specifications. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronic components or chips inside them that could be replaced, which means that they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys are expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. It's always recommended to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car keys. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed so you can get back into your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow back to the dealer. Fobs Unless you own an old classic car, the chances are your vehicle uses one of the latest high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start your car without a key. These keys come with computer chips that need to be programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Fortunately, some locksmiths can perform this reprogramming on your behalf but it's generally best 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 as much as $500, based on the type of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you may need in the event that your key fob goes missing or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain However, now it's a real problem. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys that easy to use and strong that thieves can take them. The advances in car key technologies have made it harder for thieves. These new keys come in different shapes and sizes however the most expensive is one that has an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. The “smart” key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked in a coat pocket. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare key fob that works in your car and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist that can program your automobiles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges which could save you up to $200 or more. Make sure you buy a fob and a key that is the identical model, year, and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed to your vehicle.