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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never pleasant to lose your car keys. GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service can help you quickly get back on the roads. It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. We have compiled a guide on the price to replace keys for cars. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could purchase an extra key and then use it in the ignition. Today, however, cars are more technologically advanced and it is much more costly to replace keys lost. The cheapest method of doing this is to employ an auto locksmith. They are usually capable of copying a standard metal key at a cost of $50 or less. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and isn't able to unlock the doors or start the engine. This is due to the fact that modern car keys come with transponders or chips that have to be programmed to work correctly. This is only done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance an auto locksmith in your area or an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of a mechanical key is relatively affordable, however the programming chip used in modern cars can cost you more than $300. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you always have a backup key and that you keep it in a safe place. It is important to determine the kind of car key you have before seeking help. A classic, old-fashioned car key has a traditional double-edged metal key that can be inserted into the ignition cylinder and turned to turn on your car. Keys like these aren't as popular however they are available at your local home improvement store for around $10. The next type is the transponder car key. It has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with special tools that are only accessible to a locksmith car dealer. It can cost as high as $500 or more, depending on the car's model and make. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key to communicate with your car. When the key is inserted into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it transmits a code to signal your car to begin. This is an excellent feature to have as it discourages theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar requires both the right key and transmitter to turn your car on and then drive off with it. A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. The majority of locksmiths will be capable of programming a transponder key, but it is always best to ask your car dealership if they can do so as well. They are the best option since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and will give you a better rate. Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research prior to purchasing your next vehicle. You will be able to figure out which type of key will work with it and whether it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Some of the latest cars are equipped with a password transponder system. These are more complex as they require special tools to program them. However they are also more secure since they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that if your keys were copied, it will not work in your car. Whatever type of key you've got, it is crucial that you do not attempt to break into your own car yourself. This could raise red flags with insurance companies and make mechanics reluctant to assist you particularly if they notice indications that your car has been tampered with or forced open. This can make it very hard to get replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys You'll find a laser-cut key is much more difficult to take or lose than a metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade – instead there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between genuine and fake keys when you look at it from the top. They are easy to identify and you won't be locked out of your home if your key gets lost while you're doing errands or working. If your key is a laser-cut one you'll need to call locksmiths that have equipment for these kinds of replacements. Your local hardware store is unlikely to be able provide you with a laser-cut replacement key, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this type of key fob. Locksmiths use an instrument that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. automotive car key replacement will then be found from the VIN, and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your car. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronics or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. This is why laser-cut keys can be expensive, as they require a complete rebuild of the entire key. Keep at least one spare car key in your possession just in the event of. This way, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to cut it and program it for you, so that you can gain access to your vehicle again without needing to pay to have it towed back at the dealership. Fobs There's a chance that you don't have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely uses one of the newest high-tech fobs to open and start it without a traditional key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Some locksmiths are able to assist you in this process, though it's usually better to have your dealer do it. They have the tools needed and are well-versed in your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done right. The cost of replacing your car key fob can be as high as $500 depending on whether it's an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was an inconvenience However, now it's a real problem. The reason is that modern cars have made the keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now steal keys, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have made it more difficult for thieves to steal them. The new keys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most expensive is one that comes with a transponder and a mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” comes with an elongated shank with a spring loaded mechanism that folds up into the fob, like a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside pockets like a coat. These are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and could need to be replaced by a dealership. If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and could be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a business like Amazon or an independent key and lock specialist which offers programming for a variety of automobiles. You might be able to cut and program your own fob for less than what a dealer charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Be sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, year of manufacture and model as the original so it can be coded to work with your car.