Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys and it can be costly to replace them. The cost will vary based on the type of key you are using.
The best way to find out the price to replace a car key is to speak with the locksmith or dealer. Here is a list that outlines several factors that can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are also referred to as chip keys. They contain the microchip which is embedded inside the head of the key. When the chip is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder, it sends a coded message to immobilizer on the car. This code is unique to the ID number that is connected to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle because it can't be started without the code.
The main reason behind the development of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to heat wire vehicles. Transponder keys require a unique code to be activated. These unique codes are very difficult to duplicate using standard tools and must be copied by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than traditional bladed keys. This extra cost is worthwhile when you think about the security benefits of this type of key.
Consider how important security is for you prior to deciding to get a transponder. Take into consideration your budget and your lifestyle before deciding if the cost is worth it.
Dealerships charge a fee to replace keys for cars. This is because they hold exclusive rights to sell certain models of cars and have very high expenses. However, there are other car locksmiths that are professional and offer the same quality service for less.
If you're not sure if your car is equipped with a transponder chip, inquire with the local dealer or auto locksmith. They'll be able to tell whether your vehicle has a transponder chip, and provide you with an estimate of the cost for an entirely new key. It is important to select a reputable auto locksmith who has experience working on your car model, whether you opt for the transponder that is less expensive or the more expensive non-transponder keys.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some newer cars use the most advanced key design, 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 the computer chip inside the key. They are more expensive, but they provide more security. This is why they are considered a better investment for those who want to prevent car theft.
Laser-cut keys differ from regular two-sided keys since they only have a cut in the middle. The cuts are more precise and are far more difficult to duplicate than the typical notches that are found on standard key blades. They are also difficult to detect and are a great security measure for thieves.
A locksmith or dealer can use a milling machine to make a laser-cutted key. These machines use a bit that is shaped like a drill, to gradually strip the metal from the key. car key replacement can take out precisely the amount of metal needed to make a key, allowing them to have a high degree of precision. This makes it more difficult for thieves to make their own duplicate.
Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional ones since they are not able to unlock other cars using the same lock. When a standard key is inserted into the car, it sends a signal that enables the vehicle to recognize it. This is why the engine will refuse to start when it detects an unidentified key. But, laser-cut keys have an embedded transponder that is registered to a specific car. This means that if a burglar can program and cut a laser-cutted key, the engine won't start.
A technician will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, in order to find the CNC machine's specifications for cutting the laser. The process can range between 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the make and model of the vehicle in question. 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, however, it is the most often needed option to replace your keys to your car. The positive side is that a lot of times it can be covered by insurance or your warranty. Check with your auto insurer to ensure that key replacement is included in the policy. It's also a good idea to get any stolen, lost, 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 key fob, it may be the cheapest alternative to replace it at the dealership. If the key fob you have is not replicable and comes with a built in chip it might cost more to replace it at the dealership. The price of a key fob can vary widely depending on the car's model and model. It is best to talk to local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships for a precise estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key cloned at the dealership. It's cheaper to have it copied at the dealership than by locksmith. However, you will be sure to ensure that your spare key works with your vehicle.
Whether you're replacing your car key at the dealership or with a locksmith, it's important to make sure you write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help to ensure that the key replacement is the correct fit and can be paired with your vehicle. You can locate your VIN in the 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 car keys. The advancements in technology in modern cars has made it more difficult to replace keys, and this could be costly. It's best to be prepared with an extra key in your car, or know what your options are to replace your car keys in the event that they get stolen or lost.