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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing keys to your car is not a pleasant experience. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads. If you lose your keys, it is an ideal idea to make a backup. We have compiled a list on the cost to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn on the ignition. However, modern cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost. Hiring an auto locksmith is the most affordable alternative. They will usually be capable of copying a standard metal key for around $50 or less. However, this kind of key isn't equipped with a chip and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine. Modern car keys include transponders, also known as chips, that must be programmed correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they are doing, for instance the local locksmith or car dealer service professional. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively low, but the programming chip used in modern cars can cost more than $300. It is recommended to always keep a spare key in your car and store it safely. It's important to identify the type of car key you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged steel lock that you can insert into the ignition cylinder to start your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however, you can find them at your local home improvement store for around $10. The second type is the transponder car key. This key has an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the car's computers to unlock the doors and start the engine. This type of key is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and is only possible with specific tools that are only available to a locksmith or dealer of cars. It could cost you $500 or more depending on the car's model and make. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys utilize microchips inside the key to connect with your car. When the key is near to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This is a great feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it more difficult to steal your car as a thief would need both the key and the transmitter to turn it off and take off with it. The cost of a brand new transponder key is usually a little more expensive than a traditional key, but only because it has to be programmed. Locksmiths are generally capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is recommended to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. This is because they often have the most experience with these types of keys and could be able to offer you the most competitive price. Many automotive manufacturers have their own unique anti-theft strategies in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to figure out which kind of key is compatible with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are a bit more complicated as they require a specific key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they use rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that if your key were copied, it will not work in your car. It is important to not attempt to break into your car on your own, no matter the type of key. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and could make mechanics reluctant to help particularly if they notice indications that your vehicle has been altered or forced to open. This will make it extremely hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car that has a laser cut key, you'll see that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional metal key. These keys do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, replacement key car feature a groove cut to a particular depth in the middle of the key's face. When you look at the key from the top, it is easy to identify if it's a fake or not. They are easy to identify, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while you're working or running errands. If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment for making these kinds of replacements. Most of the time, your local hardware store won't be able create a new laser-cut key because they don't have the tools required to cut and program these types of key fobs. A locksmith will use an apparatus that looks like an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce the entire surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will be cut according to your vehicle's specifications. Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not have any electronics or chips inside that can be replaced, which means that they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. Laser-cut keys can be extremely expensive due to the full rebuild of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. So, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut and program the key for you, so that you have access to your car again, without having to pay to have it tow back at the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old classic car, but your car probably utilizes the latest high-tech fobs to unlock and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys contain special computer chips that must be programmed in order to work with the vehicle you own. There are locksmiths who can perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's best to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are well-versed in your specific car and can ensure that it's done right. The cost of having your car's key fob replaced could cost as high as $500, based on the type of key you drive and if it's remote-controlled or smart. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may want in case the fob goes missing or is stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience, but now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal them. The new keys are available in a variety of dimensions and shapes, but the one that has both a transponder as well as mechanical keys is the most expensive. This “smart” key comes with a spring-loaded shank which folds in the fob to form the switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or put in a pocket of a coat. They are generally more expensive than simple remote-controlled fobs and may require the help of a dealer to replace. If you have an extra fob that is compatible with your vehicle and that can be copied to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering an aftermarket replacement from a company such as Amazon or a specialist in key and lock who can program various vehicles. You may find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer will charge, which could save you $200 or more. Make sure you buy a key and fob that has the same model, year and model as your original to ensure it can be programmed for your vehicle.