Can you duplicate a car key?

I want to get a spare key for my 2005 Honda Odyssey. I'm a bit paranoid, and I wouldn t want anyone who got the key to be able to steal the car (aka my kids). All the new cars, including mine have these chips in the keys so even if you copied the key it wouldn t start the car without being programmed. Honestly, my biggest problem is locking my keys in the car. I was thinking if I copied a key without copying the data on the key, could I make a key that would open the mechanical lock on the driver s door but couldn t start the car? If I say took the key to home depot, could this work?

Yes that would work.

The answer to your question is a decided YES. I tow my Jeep and have to have a key in the ignition to unlock the steering. Jeep made me a key with no chip and it works fine. It will start the engine but as soon as the transmission is put in gear it dies. As to locking your keys in the car there's a simpler solution. Just develop the habit of ALWAYS using the key to lock the door. If you have electric locks the button on the key is what sets the alarm mode. If you merely push the lock button and slam the door the alarm is NOT enabled.

It would best try a locksmith. A hardware store will not likely have the flat blanks and method of cutting them. May charge you like $40 of it though.

Yes. It can open the door but it will not start the car.