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 get back on the road. When you lose your key it is an ideal idea to make a backup. To make this easier we've created a list of the cost of replacement car keys. cost. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could buy a spare and simply use it in the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more costly to replace a lost key. The cheapest way to do this is to hire an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. However, this kind of key doesn't have chips and will not be able to open the doors or start the engine. https://yamcode.com/the-reason-car-keys-replacement-is-fast-increasing-to-be-the-hottest-t is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders or chips that have to be programmed in order to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who understands what they're doing, for instance the local locksmith or an auto dealership service professional. The cost to get an electronic key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. It is recommended to keep a spare key and keep it safe. It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A classic, old-fashioned car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be placed into the ignition cylinder, and 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 next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the car's computers to open the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specific tools, which are only accessible to a locksmith or dealer in the car. The cost for this could be as high as $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car. Transponder Keys Cars with transponder keys use an embedded microchip in the key that communicates with your car. When the key is close to your vehicle, or placed in the ignition, it transmits an electronic code which signals your car to start. This feature is beneficial because it deters theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car, because a burglar will need both the key and transmitter to turn it on and take off with it. A transponder key costs a little bit more than a regular key however, this is because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but you should always inquire with your car dealer if they are able to do it. This is because they usually have the most experience in programming these kinds of keys, and may be able to give you a more competitive price. Many auto manufacturers have their own anti-theft systems. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able to find out which kind of key is compatible with it and if it requires an unlocking device via a remote. Some newer vehicles come with a transponder password system. These are more complicated because they require a special key tool to program them. They are more secure, however, because they employ rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that even if your key is cloned, it will not work with your car. It is essential that you don't attempt to gain entry into your vehicle on your own, no matter the type of key. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and a lot of mechanics will not assist you if they observe signs that your car has been forced open or damaged. This could make it difficult to obtain replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys It's likely that a key cut with lasers is much more difficult to lose or steal than a key made of metal. These keys have no notches cut along the edge of the blade - instead, there's a winding groove which cuts to a specific depth up the middle of the key's face. This makes it very easy to distinguish between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from above. They are easy to spot, so you won't get locked out if you have your key lost while working or running errands. 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 isn't likely to make you an alternative key that is laser-cut, because they don't have the equipment to cut and program this kind of key fob. A locksmith will use an apparatus that resembles an ordinary drill to mill the metal of the key. This will reduce all the surface to the desired length. The key's unique code will then be retrieved from the VIN, and the key will then be cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys don't have any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a new key. This is the reason why laser-cut keys are expensive, as they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key. It's always a good idea to keep at least one spare key available in case you happen to lose your car key. Then, you can call an locksmith to have the key cut and programmed, so you can reenter your car without having to pay for it to be tow to the dealer. Fobs If you don't own a classic car, chances are your vehicle uses one of the most advanced high-tech fobs that allow you to open and start your car without a key. These keys come with electronic chips that have to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. There are locksmiths who can do this reprogramming for you however it's better to have your dealer do it. They are familiar with the vehicle and have all the necessary tools. The cost of getting your car's key fob changed can cost as high as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. This doesn't include the cost of an electronic backup key that you may need in the event the fob goes missing or is stolen. It was once the case that losing your car key was a pain, but now it's an actual issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves can now take keys, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have made it harder for thieves to steal the keys. The new keys are available in different sizes and shapes, but the one that comes with a transponder as well as a mechanical key is the most expensive. The "smart" key features a spring-loaded shank that can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to get lost or tucked in a pocket of a coat. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have a spare fob that is in your vehicle and can be copied, you might want to try to save money by purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a firm such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company that can program your vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership will charge, thereby costing as little as $200 or more. Make sure you purchase the fob and key that is the same model, year and make as your original to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.