Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a major hassle to lose your car keys, and expensive to replace keys. The cost can be different based on the type of key you are using.
A locksmith or dealer to provide an estimate is the best way to learn how much it will be to replace a key. Below is a list of some of the factors that can influence the price.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, sometimes called chip keys, are equipped with an electronic microchip that is embedded in the keyhead. The chip transmits an encrypted signal to the immobilizer of the car when it is put into 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 vehicle because it is not able to be started without a valid code.
Read the Full Report of key was designed to make it difficult for thieves to heat-wire a vehicle. Before this technology was invented it was quite easy for thieves to start cars by connecting two wires, a process called "hot wiring." Transponder keys are secure because they require a unique code to be activated. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate with regular tools, and must be copied by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than bladed traditional keys. However, this extra cost is usually worth it in the end when taking into account the security benefits of this type of key.
Consider the importance of security for you before deciding to get a transponder. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the cost is worth it.
Car dealerships usually charge a fee for key replacement services for cars. Read the Full Report is because they hold the exclusive rights to sell specific models of cars and have very high costs of operation. There are other locksmiths for cars who provide the same service at lower prices.
If you're unsure if your car has a transponder chip, check with your local dealer or an auto locksmith. They'll be able to determine if your vehicle has a chip and will also help determine the cost of purchasing an upgrade. It's important to choose a reputable auto locksmith who has experience with your car type, whether you go for a cheaper transponder or the more expensive non-transponder keys.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some modern cars have a more advanced key design that is known as a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys are cut by a locksmith or dealer and include an embedded computer chip them. These keys are more expensive, yet they offer more security. This is why they are regarded as a better investment by people who want to stop car theft.
Laser-cut keys are different from standard two-sided keys because they only have a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and harder to duplicate than the standard notches on regular blades. They are also harder to discern and are more effective in deterring thieves.
To make a key that is laser-cut, the locksmith or dealer utilizes an exclusive milling machine. The machines utilize a bit that resembles drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They can take out precisely the amount of metal required for a particular key, giving them the highest level of precision. This makes it harder for a thief cut their own copy.
Laser-cut keys are also more secure than conventional keys because they can't be used to unlock other cars using the same lock. When a normal key is put into the car, it sends a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. The engine will not begin when the key isn't recognized. Laser-cut keys come with a transponder, which is registered to a particular vehicle. This means that if someone can program and cut a laser-cut key, the engine won't start.
To cut a laser-cut key the technician needs to have the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle to retrieve the appropriate specs for it in the CNC machine. The process could take anywhere between 15 minutes and a few hours based on the make and model of the vehicle that is being considered. Once the correct specifications are entered, the laser-cut key can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive but it is often the best alternative to replace your keys to your car. It is typically covered by your insurance or warranty. It is best to consult with your insurance company to see if key replacements are covered by the policy. It is also recommended to have any lost, stolen or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, since this will ensure that no one else will be able to use them in the future.
If you have a standard fob, replacing it at a dealer could be the cheapest alternative. If the key fob you have is not replicable and comes with an embedded chip it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a keyfob can vary widely depending on the car's model and make. It is recommended to contact local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships to get an accurate estimate.
Another option to save money is to take your spare key with you to the dealership and having it cloned there. It's cheaper to have it cloned at the dealership than through locksmith. However, you will want to make sure that your spare key works with your vehicle.
If you're replacing your car key at the dealership or through a locksmith, it's important to take the time to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will ensure that your replacement key fits correctly and can be paired to 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 was not a big deal to lose the key to your car. The advancements in technology in modern cars has made it harder to replace keys, and this could be costly. It is recommended to always keep a spare car key at and ready in the event that your keys get lost or stolen.