Cost of Car Key Replacement

Losing your car keys is an enormous hassle and can be expensive to replace. The cost can be different based on the type you are using.

The best way to find out the price to replace a car key is to talk to an auto locksmith or a dealership. Below is a list of some of the factors that can influence the cost.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys, also referred to as chip keys, contain an electronic microchip embedded within the keyhead. When the chip is placed in the ignition lock cylinder it transmits an encrypted message to the immobilizer of the vehicle. This code matches a special ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it extremely difficult to steal a car since it isn't able to be started without the code.

The reason for the development of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to heat wire the vehicle. Transponder keys require a unique code to be activated. They are difficult to duplicate using regular tools, and must be duplicated only by an auto locksmith.

This means that the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this cost can be worth it in the long run, especially when taking into account the security benefits that come with this type of key.

Consider the importance of security for you prior to deciding to get transponders. Then consider your budget and your lifestyle to determine whether the additional cost is worth it for you.

Dealerships charge a premium to replace car keys. This is because they have the exclusive rights to sell certain models of cars and have very high overheads. There are a variety of professional car locksmiths that offer the same service at lower cost.

If you are unsure whether your car keys battery replacement near me has chips, you can inquire with your local auto locksmith or dealer. They can tell you whether your car is equipped with a transponder chip, and provide an estimate of the cost to get an entirely new key. Whichever you choose, cheaper non-transponder key or the more expensive transponder key, it's important to find a reputable auto locksmith that has expertise working with your particular model of vehicle.

Laser-Cut Keys

Some newer cars use the most advanced key design that is known as a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys require a locksmith or car dealership to cut them, and then program an electronic chip into the key. Although these keys are more expensive than traditional keys, they do come with higher security features. This is why they are regarded as a better investment by those who want to prevent car replacement keys theft.

In contrast to regular two-sided keys laser-cut keys have cuts in the middle of the key only. These cuts are more precise and difficult to duplicate than standard notches on standard key blades. They are also more difficult to pick, making them an excellent deterrent for would-be thieves.

A locksmith or dealer will use a milling machine to make a laser-cutted key. These machines use a bit that looks like drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They can remove precisely the amount of metal needed to make a particular key and provide an extremely high level of accuracy that makes it more difficult for a criminal to cut their own duplicate.

Another reason why laser-cut keys are more secure than conventional keys is because they can't be used to unlock other similar cars like they could with regular key locks. When a standard key is inserted into the vehicle, it emits a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. The engine won't start when the key isn't recognized. Laser-cut keys, however, have a built in transponder that is tied to a specific vehicle. This means that even if a burglar can cut and program a key laser-cut but the engine will not start.

To cut a laser-cut keys the technician needs to have the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in order to locate the proper specifications for it on the CNC machine. This process can last anywhere from 15 minutes up to a few days based on the model and make of the vehicle. 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 but often necessary alternative to replace your car key replacement service near me keys. It is often covered by your insurance or warranty. Contact your insurance company to confirm that key replacement is included in the policy. It is also a good idea to get any stolen, lost, or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, as this will ensure that no one can make use of them in the future.

If you have a standard key fob, getting it replaced at a dealership may be the cheapest alternative. If your key fob is not replicable and comes with a built in chip it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob may vary widely based on the model and make of your vehicle, so it's best to consult with local dealerships, locksmiths or mechanics to get an accurate price estimate.

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

It's essential to note down your VIN whether you're getting your car key replaced by a dealer or a locksmith. This will ensure that your key replacement is correctly fitted and can be paired to your vehicle. You can find 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 the past, losing a car key was not a major issue. The advancements in technology in modern cars has made it harder to replace keys, and this could be costly. It is best to be prepared by carrying an extra key in your car, or know what your options are for replacing your car keys in the event they are stolen or lost.