Cost of Car Key Replacement

It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys and it can be costly to replace them. Based on the kind of keys you have, the costs can differ.

The best way to find out the price to replace keys to your car is to ask the locksmith or dealer. Here is a list of several factors that can affect the cost.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys are also referred to as chip keys. They are equipped with the microchip which is embedded into the head of the key. When the chip is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder, it sends an encrypted message to the immobilizer on the car. This code is unique to the ID number that is connected 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 main reason behind the development of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to heat wire a vehicle. Transponder keys require an unique code in order to activate. They are difficult to duplicate with standard tools, and should be cloned only by an auto locksmith.

In the end, the transponder key is more expensive than conventional bladed keys. This cost is worthwhile when you consider the security benefits of this type key.

Think about how important security is for you before you decide to purchase a transponder. Take into consideration your budget and lifestyle to decide whether or not the added cost is worth it to you.

car key battery replacement dealerships usually charge a premium for the replacement of car keys. This is because they have the exclusive rights to sell specific models of vehicles and have high overheads. There are other professional car locksmiths who offer the same quality service for less money.

If you are unsure whether your car has a chip, you can consult your local dealer or auto locksmith. They can tell you if your car has a transponder chip and also provide an estimate of the cost for replacement car key to get a new key. Whichever you choose, less expensive non-transponder keys or the more expensive transponder key, it's important to locate a reputable auto locksmith who has experience working with your type of car.

Laser-Cut Keys

Some newer cars use the most advanced key design called a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys require an auto dealer or locksmith to cut them and program the computer chip inside the key. Although they are more expensive than standard keys, they also come with superior security features. This is why they're considered a better investment for those looking to protect their car from theft.

Contrary to conventional two-sided keys laser-cut keys are cut in the center of the key only. These cuts are more precise and harder to duplicate than the standard notches on regular key blades. They are also more difficult to discern which makes them a great security measure for thieves.

To make a laser-cut key, a locksmith or dealer uses a milling machine that is specifically designed for this purpose. These machines use a bit that looks like a drill to slowly remove the key's metal. They can take out precisely the amount of metal needed for a specific key, which gives them the highest level of precision. This makes it difficult for thieves to make their own duplicate.

Laser-cut keys are more secure than traditional ones because they cannot be used to open other cars with the same key lock. When a normal key is put into the vehicle, it emits a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. The engine won't start in the event that the key isn't recognized. Laser-cut keys have a built-in transponder that's registered to a particular vehicle. This means that if a burglar is able to program and cut a laser-cutted key, the engine will not start.

Technicians will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, in order to locate the CNC machine's specifications to cut a laser-cutkey. This process can last anywhere from 15 minutes up to a few days depending on the model and brand of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications are entered, a laser-cut key can be programmed by the locksmith or dealership.

Dealerships

The dealership is the most expensive but often necessary option to replace your keys to your car. It is usually covered by your insurance or warranty. It is advisable to check with your insurance company to determine if key replacements are covered under the policy. It is also an excellent idea to get any lost, stolen or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, since this will ensure that no one else will be able to use them again in the future.

If you have a standard key fob, it could be the least expensive option to get it replaced at the dealership. If the key fob you have is not capable of cloning and has a built in chip it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The price of a key fob can differ widely based on the car's model and make. It is best to talk to local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships for a precise estimate.

Another method to cut costs is to bring your spare key with you to the dealer and having it cloned there. It is cheaper to have it cloned at the dealership rather than through locksmith. However, you will need to ensure that your spare key works with your vehicle.

It's essential to write down your VIN, whether you're getting your car key replaced by a dealer or a locksmith. This will help ensure that the new key is the correct fit and is compatible with your vehicle. You can find 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 the past, losing a car key was not a big issue. However, the technology of modern cars has made it more difficult to replace keys, which could be extremely expensive. Always keep an extra car key on and ready in case your keys are stolen or lost.