In case your car was made within the last couple of decades, chances are high that the key is more sophisticated than a mere shaped metal object. Indeed, a miniaturized chip inside will determine the specifics of making a duplicate and why simply cutting a new key would not be sufficient.
As mentioned above, a transponder key includes a hidden chip embedded into its head. When a driver inserts and turns the key, it sends a specific signal which gets checked by an immobilizer; and when both codes match, the engine starts. In case the key lacks the chip, no matter the cut, the car won't be started.
While mechanical keys are simply required to have a matching cut, transponders need both to be cut accurately and programmed, which implies some additional procedures.
It is the chip embedded into transponder key that affects its pricing and cutting times (explained in details in our post "What makes a car key expensive?"), making a hardware store copy insufficient.
Keyless entry proximity systems are also based on similar technology - discussed in details in our guide to push to start keys. Both cases we can cut and program new key copies on-site using key duplication.
How proximity keys actually work, what can go wrong, and what a replacement really involves.
Read article →Why one key costs a few dollars and another costs hundreds, broken down by key type, programming, and where you go.
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