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Keys Replacement For Cars If you have a basic mechanical key, you should be able to find a replacement at any hardware store for relatively inexpensive. The key needs to be programmed either by a locksmith or dealer. Smart keys are more complex and require a visit from the dealer for the keys to be paired with your car. These types of keys are usually expensive however some insurance companies will cover the cost. Mechanical Keys You can still purchase car keys that are solely mechanical, like the ones you place in an ignition lock cylinder and then turn to start your vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these, it's inexpensive to replace the key and fob (if lost or stolen). A locksmith can cut the basic key for you at a less price than you would buy from the dealership. You can also have someone close to you who is proficient in programming aftermarket transponder keys (which are less expensive than keys made by the factory) cut you a spare key and program them. It is important to have a spare key because modern vehicles won't start in the event that the key does have the correct chip. Transponder keys are similar to mechanical keys but have an electronic chip hidden within the base. This chip is connected to the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will accept the code in the chip, but it will not start if you choose another code. If your spare key has chip, you'll need to bring it to a dealership to have it programmed. You'll need a special machine to both cut the key and program it. These machines are available only at certain dealerships and it is unlikely that a locksmith will have the tools needed to create a key that has a transponder. It's expensive to replace keys using remotes, particularly if you require an extra. You can try reprogramming your fob by yourself if you're missing the shank on the key and you have a functioning replacement fob, however it can be difficult and time-consuming. If you've lost the entire fob and the key however you should seek out a dealer as your best bet. There are replacement auto key fob of keys for cars that require a specialized set of skills to replace, for example flip keys and smart keys. These are more complex and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Certain key fobs operate by proximity sensors or a door opener that is spring-loaded. Transponder Keys If your car was constructed in the recent 10 years or so it's likely to use transponder keys. These keys have an embedded microchip inside the key and a receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the vehicle. Transponder keys can be an effective method of preventing theft, since they require two parts to start a car – the transmitter inside the key and the receiver that is connected to the immobilizer. Without both the key and the immobilizer system being in place, the car won't start and it will be impossible to connect hotwire. Key chips have a unique serial number for your vehicle. When the key is inserted into the ignition the serial number is transmitted to the immobilizer in the car and checked to ensure that it is in line, it will then allow the engine to start. This security feature can only be blocked by a specially designed device that can read the chip and match it with a different car. When you have a transponder key replacement it is necessary to visit an authorized locksmith who has the tools needed to reprogram the key into your car. Some car dealerships offer this service, but their overheads make them more costly than an independent locksmith. It isn't easy to find a new key with chip. The key must first be cut using a specific machine in order to have the proper tracks that can then be programmed to assign the key to your car. It requires specialized software as well as the appropriate key cutter to cut it correctly. Certain of the more basic chip keys can be cloned at a variety of auto parts stores, but you must know the serial number of the original key to ensure the correct information is encoded into the new key. Many people make the mistake of visiting a dealer to get a chip key copied and end up paying more than they need to. Laser-Cut Keys Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts in the key shank they add a layer of security to your vehicle. Keys like these are a great deterrent to auto theft because they require special equipment to duplicate. Like transponder keys, they have built-in chips that prevent unauthorized key copies from opening your vehicle. They also usually contain a unique code the key that must be programmed to your specific vehicle in order to allow it to be opened and started. This extra layer of security will safeguard your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your vehicle in exchange for parts or to resell it. Keys cut with lasers differ slightly from mechanically-cut keys in terms of design. They have fewer grooves carved out on the key. They also have a more robust key shaft, which is a good indication that it's not your typical car key. Locksmiths usually employ milling machines to cut keys. This type of machine looks like a drill and is designed to cut metal at extremely precise controlled angles. These are among the most secure keys you can get for your car, because they're extremely difficult to duplicate and only cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not like traditional keys. They're made using a small piece of steel that is cut into a shape and then cut with a laser in the factory. This type of key can withstand a lot wear and tear and is among the best choices for protecting your vehicle. The key can be folded up into the fob, or it can be removed by pressing the button. These keys are used in German cars, and provide an extra layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very resistant to breaking into, which makes it difficult for a thief pick or pick-lock a vehicle. Smart Keys Keys Unlike the traditional single piece of metal, smart keys make use of RFID, or radio-frequency identification, to communicate with the car. They are equipped with a chip that has a unique code, which is encoded on every key. The key sends a message to the onboard computer in your vehicle every time you open the doors or open the trunk. The computer then signals the correct frequency which allows you to open your car and start it. The chip inside the smart key has several security features that protect it from theft. First, the key emits a low-frequency signal which isn't detected by any other receiver, not even your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal it will transmit a different one which is a unique code that only your car can understand. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external generator to “fool” the system and make the key work for other vehicles. Some smart keys offer special features, like saving preferences for drivers remote opening windows, opening the sunroof remotely and many more. These are accomplished by activating the key fob's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key, or, in some cases, twisting a small metal part inside the key. Some key fobs can be opened by placing the dead key in a slot, or by placing it next to an inductive coil on the dashboard. Some key fobs have mechanical (fully emergency) key blade that is inside the key. To replace a smart key, you'll need a trip to the dealer, where they can request the replacement or have it in stock. The dealer will also need to program your new key to identify your vehicle. You can also go to a locksmith for the replacement key fob to be programmed and replaced. A locksmith may charge more than the dealer, but they'll likely be able to complete the job faster and for less.