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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? It's never a good feeling to lose your car keys. GEICO' auto replacement key can help you quickly return to the roads. It is a good idea to order a spare key before you lose yours. We have put together a guide on the price to replace a car key. Mechanical Keys Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could just buy a spare key and use it to turn the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace a lost key. An auto locksmith can be the most affordable alternative. They'll usually be able to copy a basic metal key for around $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 are equipped with transponders or chips that need to be programmed to work correctly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, for instance a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department. The cost of having a mechanical key copied is fairly low however programming the chips in modern vehicles will typically run you more than $300. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you always have a backup key, and keep it somewhere secure. It's important to identify the type of car key you own before seeking assistance. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however, you should be able to find them at your local hardware store for around $10. The next type of car key is the transponder, which has an embedded security chip that sends an alert to the vehicle's computer system to unlock the doors and allow the engine to start. This kind of key is more difficult to copy than a basic mechanical key, and can only be copied using specialized tools that only a locksmith or a dealer can access. The cost of this service can be up to $500 or more, based on the model and make of your car. 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 into the ignition or placed close to your vehicle, it sends an encoded code that allows your car to start. This is a wonderful feature to have as it discourages theft. It also makes it difficult to steal your car since a burglar would require both the key and the transmitter to turn it on before they could take off with it. A transponder key is just a bit more than a regular one, however, it's because it has to be programmed. It is possible to program a key transponder with most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer about whether they are able to do it. They are the best choice since they have the most expertise in programming these keys and can give you a better rate. A lot of automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is crucial to conduct your research prior to buying your next car. You should be able find out which kind of key will work with it, and whether or not it requires a remote to unlock it. Certain vehicles with more modern technology come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complex as they require specialized tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they employ rolling-code encryption that changes the password every time they are used. This means that even if the key is copied, it will not work with your vehicle. No matter what kind of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to open the door of your vehicle yourself. This can be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to help you out in the event of evidence that the vehicle has been damaged or opened. It is very difficult to obtain a new key, so make sure you contact a Mesa mobile auto lockout specialist. Laser-Cut Keys If you have a car equipped with a laser cut key, you'll find that it's a lot harder to lose or steal than a traditional metal key. The keys don't have notches cut along the edges of the blade. Instead, there's a winding groove that cuts to a certain depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. This makes it easy to tell the difference between authentic and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you lose your keys while working or running errands. If your key is a laser-cut one then you'll have to contact an locksmith who has equipment to make these types of replacements. The hardware store you visit isn't likely to create a laser-cut replacement key, since they do not have the tools to cut and program this kind of key fob. Locksmiths use an apparatus that resembles the drill used in standard homes to cut the metal of the key. This will remove the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is then cut according to the specifications of your vehicle. Unlike regular transponder keys, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be destroyed completely and replaced with a brand new key. Laser-cut keys are expensive because they require a full reconstruction of the key. Keep a spare car key in your car just in case. So, you'll be able to call the locksmith to cut and program the key for you so that you'll gain access to your vehicle again, without having to pay to have it towed back by the dealership. Fobs You may not have an old-fashioned car however, your car likely utilizes the latest high-tech fobs that can unlock and start it without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special computer chips that need to be programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Certain locksmiths can do this reprogramming, but it's better to have your dealer do it. They have the right tools and are familiar with your specific car to ensure that the reprogramming is done correctly. The cost of having your car's key fob replaced can cost as much as $500, depending on the kind of key you use and whether it's smart or just remote-controlled. That's not even including the cost of a new mechanical backup key you might wish to have in the event your fob is lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was an inconvenience, but now it's a major issue. That's because modern cars have made keys so easy and reliable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advances in automobile key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal keys. These new keys come in a variety of dimensions and shapes however the most expensive one is one that comes with the transponder and mechanical key inside the same fob. The “smart” key has a spring-loaded shank which can fold into the fob in the same way as a switchblade. It is less likely to be lost or tucked into a coat pocket. They're generally more expensive than regular remote-controlled ones and may require the assistance of a dealership to replace. If you have an extra fob that works with your vehicle and can be cloned to work in a different vehicle, you may want to consider ordering a replacement aftermarket from a business like Amazon or a locksmith and key specialist who offers programming for many different vehicles. You might discover that you can program and cut your own fob at an affordable price compared to what a dealership would charge, saving up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as your previous so it can be coded to work with your car.