Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a huge problem to lose your car keys, and costly to replace keys. The cost can be different based on the kind of car keys you are using.
Asking a locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best way to find out how much it will cost to replace a key. Below is a list of the elements that could influence the price.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, often referred to as chip keys, are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded within the keyhead. When the chip is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder, it sends an encrypted message to the immobilizer of the car. This code matches a special ID number that is connected to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle because it cannot be started without the code.
This kind of key was designed to make it difficult for thieves to hot-wire a vehicle. Transponder keys require a unique code to activate. They are difficult to duplicate with standard tools, and must be cloned only by an auto locksmith.
This means that the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. This cost is worth it if you consider the security benefits of this type of key.
Consider the importance of security for you prior to deciding to get transponders. Then consider your budget and lifestyle to decide whether the additional expense is worth it for you.
Dealerships charge a premium to replace keys for cars. This is due to the fact that they have 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 vehicle has a transponder chip, check with your local dealer or auto locksmith. They will be able to tell you whether your vehicle has a transponder chip, and provide 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, regardless of whether you opt for a cheaper transponder or the more expensive non-transponder keys.
Laser-Cut Keys
Certain newer cars use keys with more sophisticated designs called a sidewinder, or laser cut keys. These keys are cut by a locksmith or dealer and have an embedded computer chip them. They are more expensive, yet they offer more security. This is why they are considered to be a better investment by those who wish to avoid car theft.
Laser-cut keys are different from standard two-sided keys because they are only cut in the middle. These cuts are much more precise and a lot harder to duplicate than the standard notches used on regular key blades. They are also more difficult to pick which makes them a great security measure for thieves.
A locksmith or dealer will employ a milling machine to create a laser-cut key. These machines employ a tool designed like a drill to slowly remove the metal from the key. They can remove exactly the amount of metal required for a particular key, allowing them to have a high degree of precision. This makes it harder for a thief cut their own duplicate.
Another reason why laser-cut keys are more secure than traditional keys is that they aren't able to be used to unlock other similar vehicles as they can with standard key locks. When a regular car key is inserted, it sends a signal the vehicle that lets it recognize it. This is why the engine will refuse to start in the event of detecting an unidentified key. However, laser-cut keys have a built-in transponder that is registered to a specific vehicle. This means that even if a thief manages to cut and program a key laser-cut however, the engine will not start.
A technician will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, to find the CNC machine's specifications to cut a laser-cutkey. This process can last between 15 minutes to a few days based on the model and brand of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications have been entered the key laser-cut 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 can be covered by insurance or your warranty. Contact your insurance company to confirm that replacement for keys is included in the policy. It is also a great idea to get any damaged, lost or stolen keys deprogrammed by your dealer, as this will prevent anyone from using them again in the future.
If remote control car key replacement have a standard key fob, it may be the least expensive option to replace it at the dealership. If the key fob you have is not clonable and has a chip built-in, it may cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob can differ widely based on the car's model and make. It is recommended to speak with local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships to obtain an accurate estimate.
Another method to cut costs is to take your spare key to the dealer and having it copied there. It's cheaper to have it cloned at the dealership than through locksmith. However, you'll need to ensure that the spare key is compatible with your vehicle.
It is essential to note down your VIN whether you're getting your car key replaced at a dealership or by locksmith. This will ensure that the key replacement is correctly fitted and can be connected to your vehicle. You can locate 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 an issue to lose a car key. Modern technology has made it more difficult to replace keys, and this can be expensive. It's best to be prepared with an extra key on hand, or know what options you have for replacing your car keys in the event that they get stolen or lost.