Cost of Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys is an enormous hassle and can be expensive to replace. Depending on the type of key you have, the costs can vary.
The best way to find out the price to replace keys to your car is to talk to the locksmith or dealer. Here is a list that outlines several factors that can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also called chip keys, are equipped with an electronic microchip that is embedded in the keyhead. The chip sends out an encoded signal to the car's immobilizer when it is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. The code is matched to an ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle because it can't be started without the code.
The reason for the development of this type of key was to make it more difficult for thieves to hot wire vehicles. Transponder keys require a distinct code to activate. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate using standard tools and must be copied by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than bladed traditional keys. However, this cost can be worth it in the end when taking into account the security advantages that come with this type of key.
Consider the importance of security for you before you decide to purchase transponders. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the additional expense is worth it.
Dealerships charge a fee to replace car keys. This is because they have exclusive rights to sell specific models of cars and have high expenses. However, there are other locksmiths for cars who provide the same service for less.
If you're not sure if your vehicle has a transponder chip, consult the local dealer or auto locksmith. They will be able to tell you whether your vehicle has a transponder chip and also provide an estimate of the cost to get an entirely new key. It is important to select an auto locksmith with a good reputation who has experience working on your car model, whether you opt for the transponder that is less expensive or the more expensive keys that are not transponder-compatible.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some newer cars use a more advanced key design that is known as a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys are cut by a locksmith or dealer and have an embedded computer chip in them. They're more expensive, but they provide greater security. This is why they are considered to be a better investment by those who want to prevent car theft.
Contrary to conventional two-sided keys laser-cut keys have cuts in the middle of the key only. The cuts are more precise and much more difficult to duplicate than the standard notches used on regular key blades. They are also harder to pick and therefore more effective in deterring thieves.
To make a key that is laser-cut, the locksmith or dealer utilizes a milling machine that is specifically designed for this purpose. 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 key, which gives them the highest level of precision. This makes it difficult for thieves to cut their own duplicate.
Laser-cut keys are more secure than conventional keys since they are not able to unlock other cars using the same key lock. When a regular key is inserted into a car, it transmits a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. The engine will not start when the key isn't recognized. However, laser-cut keys have built-in transponders that are registered to a specific car. This means that even if a burglar can cut and program a key laser-cut but the engine will refuse to start.
To cut a laser-cut keys, a technician will need to have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in order to find the right specifications for it on the CNC machine. The process can take between 15 minutes to a few days based on the make and model of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications have been entered the key laser-cut can be programmed by the locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive, but it is often the best option to replace your car keys. It is usually covered by your insurance plan or warranty. Contact your insurance company to ensure that replacement for keys is included in the policy. It is also an excellent idea to have any stolen, lost or damaged keys deprogrammed by the dealership, as this will ensure that no one else will be able to use them again in the future.
If you have a standard fob replacing it at a dealership may be the most affordable option. If car key replacements have is not clonable and has a built in chip, it may cost more to replace it at the dealership. 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 dealers, locksmiths or mechanics for a precise cost estimate.
Another option to save money is to take your spare key to the dealer and having it copied there. This can be cheaper than having it cloned by a locksmith, however you'll need to make sure that your 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 ensure that your replacement key fits correctly and can be connected to your vehicle. You can locate your VIN on the dashboard of your car on the windshield in the corner of the windshield, on the front of the engine block or in the owner's manual.
In the past, it wasn't a big deal to lose a car key. However, the advancements in technology in modern vehicles has made it much more difficult to replace them, and this can be quite costly. It is recommended to always keep a spare car key on and ready in case your keys are lost or stolen.