Cost of Car Key Replacement

It's a big trouble to lose your car keys, and expensive to replace them. Based on the kind of keys you have, the price will differ.

Contacting a locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best way to learn the cost to replace the key. Here is a list that includes some of the factors which can affect the cost.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are also referred to as chip keys. They contain an embedded microchip in the head of the key. The chip sends out a coded signal to the car's immobilizer when it is placed inside the ignition lock cylinder. This code matches a special ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car because it isn't able to be started without a valid code.

The motivation behind the creation of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to heat wire the vehicle. Before this technology was invented it was quite easy for thieves to start vehicles by connecting two wires in a process called "hot wiring." Transponder keys are secure because they require a unique code to be activated. They are difficult to duplicate using standard tools, and need to be duplicated only by an auto locksmith.

In the end, the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. This extra cost is worth it if you consider the security advantages of this type of key.

If you're thinking about purchasing a transponder-based key, first determine how important security is to you. Take into consideration your budget and your lifestyle before deciding if the expense is worth it.

Car dealerships usually charge a fee for car key replacement services. This is due to the fact that they are the exclusive dealers of certain car models and have huge expenses. There are many professional locksmiths for cars that provide the same service for less rates.

If you're unsure whether your car is equipped with a chip, you can ask your local auto locksmith or dealer. They will be able to tell you whether your vehicle has an electronic transponder and give you an estimate of the cost to purchase new keys. Whichever you choose, less expensive non-transponder keys or the more expensive transponder key, it's important to locate a reputable auto locksmith with worked with your model of car.

Laser-Cut Keys

Certain cars with modern technology have a more advanced key design called a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys are made by a locksmith or dealer and come with an embedded computer chip them. While they are more expensive than conventional keys, they do come with superior security features. This is why they're considered an investment that is more beneficial for those who are trying to prevent car theft.

In contrast to regular two-sided keys laser-cut keys have cuts in the middle of the key only. These cuts are much more precise and are a lot harder to duplicate than the standard notches found on regular key blades. They are also difficult to discern which makes them a great deterrent for would-be thieves.

A locksmith or dealer can make use of a milling device to make a laser-cutted key. These machines employ a tool that looks like drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They can take out the exact amount of metal needed for a particular key replacement for car, which gives them the highest level of precision which makes it harder for a criminal to cut their own copy.

Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional ones since they are not able to open other vehicles with the same lock. When a regular car key is inserted it sends a signal the vehicle, which lets it recognize it. This is why the engine will refuse to start when it detects an unidentified key. However, laser-cut keys come with a built-in transponder that is associated with a specific vehicle. This means that even if a burglar manages to cut and program a key laser-cut however, the engine will refuse to start.

To cut a key laser-cut the technician needs to have the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in order to find the right specifications for it on the CNC machine. This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the make and model of the vehicle that is being considered. Once the correct specifications are entered, the laser-cut key is now ready to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.

Dealerships

The dealership is the most expensive, however, it is the most often needed option to replace your car keys. The good news is that a lot of times, it is covered by insurance or your warranty. You should check with your insurance company to determine if replacement keys are covered under the policy. It is also a great idea to have any damaged, lost or stolen keys deprogrammed by the dealer, since this will stop anyone from using them in the future.

If you have a standard fob, replacing it at a dealership may be the cheapest alternative. However, if your fob is equipped with a chip and can't be cloned it is likely to cost more to get it replaced at the dealership or through locksmiths. The price of a key fob can vary widely based on the car's model and model. It is best to speak with local locksmiths, mechanics or car key replacement services dealerships for a precise estimate.

Another method to cut costs is by bringing your spare key to the dealership and having it cloned there. This can be cheaper than having it copied by a locksmith, but you'll want to ensure that your spare key is compatible with your vehicle.

Whether you're replacing your car key at the dealership or through a locksmith, it's important to to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help to ensure that the new key is of the correct size and can be paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in your owner's manual, on your dashboard, in the corner of your windshield, or on the front of your engine block.

In the past, it wasn't a big deal to lose the key to your car. However, the advancements in technology in modern automobiles has made it much more difficult to replace keys, and this can be quite costly. Always keep a spare car key on hand or know your options in the event that your keys are lost or stolen.