Cost of Car Key Replacement

It's a big trouble to lose your remote car Key Replacement keys, and costly to replace keys. The cost can vary depending on the type of key you have.

Contacting a locksmith or dealer to provide an estimate is the best way to learn how much it will cost to replace a key. Below is a list of a few of the elements that could affect the price.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are also referred as chip keys. They contain the microchip which is embedded 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. The code is matched to a unique ID number that is linked to the vehicle. This makes it extremely difficult to steal a car because it isn't able to be started without the proper code.

The reason for the development of this type of key was to make it more difficult for thieves to heat wire the vehicle. Transponder keys require a unique code in order to activate. They are difficult to duplicate using regular tools, and need to be copied only by an auto locksmith.

In the end, the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. This extra cost is worthwhile when you think about the security benefits of this type of key.

Think about how important security is for you before deciding to get a transponder. Consider your budget and lifestyle to determine whether the additional cost is worth it for you.

Car dealerships often charge a fee for key replacement services for cars. This is due to the fact that they have exclusive rights to sell specific models of cars and have very high overheads. There are a variety of professional locksmiths for cars that provide the same service for less costs.

If you are unsure whether your car has chip, inquire with your local auto locksmith or dealer. They can tell you whether your vehicle has a transponder chip, and provide an estimate of the cost to get new keys. It is essential to select an auto locksmith that is reputable and has experience with your car model, regardless of whether you opt for the transponder that is less expensive or the more expensive non-transponder keys.

Laser-Cut Keys

Certain cars with modern technology have a more advanced key design that is known as a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys require the services of a locksmith or car dealer to cut them and program an electronic chip into the key. They're more expensive, but they offer more security. This is why they are considered to be a better investment for people who want to stop car theft.

Laser-cut keys are different from regular two-sided keys since they only have a cut in the middle. These cuts are much more precise and a lot harder to duplicate than standard notches used on regular key blades. They are also harder to pick and therefore more effective in deterring thieves.

To make a key that is laser-cut, dealers or locksmiths use an exclusive milling machine. The machines utilize a bit that looks like a drill to slowly remove the key's metal. They can remove exactly the amount of metal needed to make a key, which gives them a high degree of precision. This makes it difficult for a thief cut their own copy.

Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional ones because they cannot be used to unlock other cars using the same lock. When a regular car key is inserted it sends a signal the vehicle that lets it recognize it. The engine won't start in the event that the key isn't recognized. However, laser-cut keys come with an embedded transponder that is associated with a specific vehicle. This means that even if a thief manages to cut and program a laser-cut key but the engine will not start.

Technicians will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, to retrieve the CNC machine's specifications for cutting the laser. The process can take between 15 minutes to a few days depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications have been entered, the laser-cut key can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.

Dealerships

The dealership is the most expensive, but often necessary alternative to replace your car keys. The good news is that many times, it will be covered by your warranty or insurance. You should check with your auto insurance provider to determine if key replacements are covered under the policy. It is also recommended to get any stolen, lost, or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, as this will ensure that no one else will be able to make use of them in the future.

If you have a standard key fob it might be the cheapest alternative to replace it at the dealership. However, if your fob has a chip built in and can't be cloned it's likely to cost more to get it replaced at the dealership or by locksmiths. The cost of a key fob may vary greatly depending on the make and model of your vehicle, so it is recommended to speak with local dealerships, locksmiths or mechanics to get an accurate cost estimate.

You can also save money by having your spare key copied at the dealership. It is cheaper to have it cloned by the dealership than through a locksmith. However, you will be sure to ensure that your spare key works with your vehicle.

It is essential to write down your VIN, whether you're having your car key fobs replacement keys replaced at a dealership or by locksmith. This will help to ensure that the replacement key is the correct fit and will be compatible with your vehicle. You can locate your VIN in the owner's manual, on your dashboard or in the corner of your windshield or on the front of your engine block.

In the past, it was not an issue to lose the key to your car. The technology of modern vehicles has made it harder to replace keys, and this could be costly. Always keep a spare car key on hand or know your options in the event that your keys get stolen or lost.