Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a major problem to lose your car keys, and it can be costly to replace keys. Based on the kind of keys you own, the cost may differ.
Contacting a locksmith or dealer to provide an estimate is the best way to learn how much it will be to replace the key. Below is a list of a few of the elements that could impact the price.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, often called chip keys, have an electronic microchip that is embedded in the keyhead. When the chip is inserted into the cylinder of the ignition lock, it sends a coded message to the immobilizer on the car. This code is unique to the ID number that is linked to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car because it cannot be started without the correct code.
The reason for the development of this type of key was to make it more difficult for thieves to hot wire a vehicle. Before this technology was invented, it was very simple for thieves to open vehicles by connecting two wires, a process called "hot wiring." The transponder keys are secure because they require a unique code in order to be activated. They are difficult to duplicate with standard tools, and should be duplicated only by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than bladed traditional keys. However, this cost is usually worth it in the end when taking into account the security benefits of this type of key.
If you're thinking about purchasing a transponder key, first determine how important security is to you. Take into consideration your budget and your lifestyle before deciding if the cost is worth it.
Car dealerships usually charge a premium for car key replacement services. This is because they have exclusive right to sell certain models of vehicles and have high overheads. There are numerous professional locksmiths for cars that provide the same service but at lower costs.
If you aren't sure whether your car is equipped with chips, you can ask your local auto locksmith or dealer. They'll be able to tell whether your vehicle has a transponder chip and also provide you with an estimate of the cost to get an entirely new key. If you decide to go with the less expensive non-transponder keys or the more expensive transponder key it's essential to find a reliable auto locksmith with worked with your model of car.
Laser-Cut Keys
Certain cars with modern technology have the most advanced key design that is known as laser cut keys or sidewinder key. Keys are cut by a locksmith or dealer and have a computer chip programmed in them. They're more expensive, yet they offer better security. This is why they're considered the best choice for those trying to prevent car theft.
Unlike regular two-sided keys, laser-cut keys are cut in the middle of the key only. These cuts are more precise and difficult to duplicate than the standard notches on regular blades. They are also difficult to pick and are a great protection against thieves who might be.
A locksmith or dealer will make use of a milling device to create a key that is laser-cut. These machines employ a tool shaped like a drill to gradually strip the metal from the key. They can remove precisely the amount of metal required to make a key, giving them an extremely high level of precision. This makes it more difficult for thieves to make their own duplicate.
Laser-cut keys are also more secure than traditional keys because they can't be used to open other cars with the same key lock. When a standard car key is inserted it sends a signal the vehicle that lets it recognize it. This is why the engine won't start in the event of detecting an unidentified key. However, laser-cut keys have built-in transponders that are registered to a specific 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, a technician will need to have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in order to retrieve the appropriate specs for it in the CNC machine. The process can take between 15 minutes to a few days, depending on the model and brand of the vehicle. After the correct specifications have been entered, a laser-cut keys will be ready for programming by the locksmith or dealership.
car key replacements
Getting your car key replacement at a dealership is the most expensive option however, it is usually necessary. The good news is that a lot of times it can be covered by your warranty or insurance. It is best to consult with your auto insurance provider to see if key replacements are covered under the policy. It's also a good idea to get any stolen, lost, or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, as this will ensure that no one will be able to make use of them in the future.
If you have an ordinary key fob, it could be the most affordable option to get it replaced at the dealership. If your key fob isn't capable of cloning and has a built in chip it might cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob may vary greatly depending on the model and make of your car, 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 copied at the dealership. This is less expensive than having it cloned by a locksmith, but you'll want to ensure that your spare key is compatible with the vehicle you're using it.
Whether you're replacing your car key at the dealership or through a locksmith, it's important to take the time to note down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help ensure that the replacement key is the correct fit and can be paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in your owner's manual, on your dashboard or in the corner of your windshield or on the front of your engine block.
In the past, losing a car key was no big deal. However, the advancements in technology in modern cars has made it much more difficult to replace them, and this can be very expensive. Always keep an extra car key on and ready in case your keys are stolen or lost.