Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys, and expensive to replace keys. The cost can vary depending on the kind of car keys you have.
Asking a locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best way to learn the cost to replace a key. Here is a list that outlines several factors that can influence the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are also referred to as chip keys. They are equipped with a microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. The chip sends out a coded signal to the immobilizer of the car when it is placed inside the ignition lock cylinder. This code matches a special ID number that is linked to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle since it isn't able to be started without the code.
The transponder key was developed to make it harder for thieves to wire the vehicle. Transponder keys require a unique code to be activated. These codes are difficult to duplicate using standard tools, and should be copied only by an auto locksmith.
This means that the transponder key is more expensive than conventional bladed keys. The extra cost is worth it if you take into consideration the security benefits of this type of key.
If automotive key replacement of purchasing a transponder-based key, first consider the importance of security to you. Then consider your budget and lifestyle to determine whether or not the cost is worth it for you.
Dealerships charge a premium to replace car keys. This is due to the fact that they are the only dealers of certain models of cars and have high costs of operation. There are other locksmiths for cars who provide the same high-quality service at lower prices.
If you're unsure whether your car is equipped with chips, you can ask 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 a new key. It is important to select an auto locksmith that is reputable and has experience with your vehicle type, whether you go for the cheaper transponder or the more expensive keys that are not transponder-compatible.
Laser-Cut Keys
Certain cars with modern technology have the most advanced key design that is known as a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys require the services of a locksmith or car dealer to cut them and then program an electronic chip into the key. While these keys are more expensive than conventional ones, they also offer superior security features. This is why they're considered the best choice for those who are looking to protect their car from theft.
Unlike regular two-sided keys, laser-cut keys have cuts in the center of the key only. These cuts are more precise and harder to duplicate than standard notches on regular blades. They are also more difficult to detect, making them an effective deterrent to thieves.
A locksmith or dealer would employ a milling machine to create a key that is laser-cut. The machines utilize a bit that looks like an ax to slowly remove the key's metal. They can remove the exact amount of metal required for a particular key that gives them a high level of precision which makes it harder for a criminal to make their own copy.
Another reason why keys that are laser-cut are more secure than conventional keys is because they can't be used to unlock similar vehicles like they would with standard key locks. When a standard key is put into the vehicle, it emits a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. This is why the engine won't start if it detects an unrecognized key. However, laser-cut keys have an embedded transponder that is associated with a specific vehicle. This means that even if a burglar can cut and program a key laser-cut, the engine will still not start.
A technician will need 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 from 15 minutes to a few hours based on the make and model of the vehicle that is being considered. Once automotive car key replacement are entered the key laser-cut is now ready to be programmed by the locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
Finding a replacement for your car key through the dealership can be the most expensive option, but it is often necessary. The good news is that many times it can be covered by your warranty or insurance. It is advisable to check with your auto insurance provider to see if key replacements are covered under the policy. It's also recommended to have any stolen, lost or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, as this will ensure that no one else will be able to use them in the future.
If you have a standard key fob, it could be the most affordable option to get it replaced at the dealership. However, if your fob has a chip built in and can't be cloned, it will likely cost more to get it replaced at the dealership or through locksmiths. The cost of a key fob can vary greatly depending on the model and brand of your car, therefore it's best to consult with local locksmiths, dealers, or mechanics for an accurate cost estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key cloned at the dealership. It can be cheaper to have it cloned at the dealership than by locksmith. However, you will want to make sure that the spare key is compatible with your vehicle.
If you're replacing your car key at the dealership or through a locksmith, it's important to take the time to record your vehicle's identification number (VIN). This will help to ensure that the new key is a good fit and can be paired with your vehicle. You can locate your VIN on the dashboard of your car or on the windshield at the corner of the windshield and on the side of the engine block, or in the owner's manual.
In the past, it was not an issue to lose a car key. The advancements in technology in modern cars has made it harder to replace keys and this can be expensive. It is best to be prepared by having a spare key with you, or know what your options are for replacing your car keys in the event that they get stolen or lost.