Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys, and expensive to replace keys. Depending on the kind of keys you have, the costs will vary.
The best method to determine how much it will cost to replace keys to your car is to talk to the locksmith or dealer. Below is a list of some of the factors that can impact the price.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are also referred as chip keys. They have a microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. key replacement car sends out an encrypted signal to the immobilizer of the car when it is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. This code matches a special ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car because it can't be started without the code.
The transponder key was designed to make it more difficult for thieves to hot-wire vehicles. Before the invention of this technology it was quite easy for thieves to start vehicles by connecting two wires, a process called "hot wiring." Transponder keys are extremely secure due to the fact that they require a unique code to be activated. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate using standard tools and must be cloned by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than bladed traditional keys. However, the extra cost is usually worth it in the long run, especially when considering the security advantages that come with this kind of key.
Consider how important security is for you before you decide to get transponders. Think about your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the extra cost is worth it.
Car dealerships usually charge a premium for key replacement services for cars. This is because they hold the exclusive rights to sell certain models of cars and have very high costs of operation. However, there are other professional car locksmiths who provide the same service at lower prices.
If you're unsure whether your car is equipped with chip, inquire with your local auto locksmith or dealer. They'll be able to inform you if your vehicle is chip-equipped and also help determine the cost of purchasing a new one. It is essential to select an auto locksmith with a good reputation who has experience with your vehicle model, regardless of whether you opt for the cheaper transponder or the more expensive keys that are not transponder-compatible.
Laser-Cut Keys
Certain newer cars use keys with more sophisticated designs known as a sidewinder or laser cut key. These keys require the services of a locksmith or car dealer to cut them and program a computer chip in the key. They're more expensive, but they offer more security. This is why they are considered to be a better investment for those who wish to avoid car theft.
Laser-cut keys are different from regular two-sided keys since they only have a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and tougher to duplicate than the standard notches on standard key blades. They are also harder to discern which makes them a great deterrent for would-be thieves.
A locksmith or dealer would use a milling machine to create a key that is laser-cut. The machines utilize a bit that resembles an ax to slowly remove the key's metal. They can remove exactly the amount of metal required for a specific key, giving them a high degree of precision. This makes it difficult for thieves to make their own copy.
Laser-cut keys are more secure than conventional keys because they can't be used to open other vehicles with the same key lock. When a normal car key is inserted, it sends a signal the vehicle, which allows it to recognize it. This is the reason why the engine won't start if it detects an unrecognized key. However, laser-cut keys come with built-in transponders that are associated with a specific vehicle. This means that even if a thief is able to cut and program a key laser-cut but the engine will not start.
Technicians will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, to locate the CNC machine's specifications to cut the laser. The process can take anywhere from 15 minutes up to a few days, depending on the model and brand of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications are entered the key laser-cut is now ready to be programmed by the locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive but it is often the best alternative to replace your car keys. The good news is that many times it can be covered by your warranty or insurance. Check with your auto insurer to make sure that the replacement of keys is covered in the policy. It's also a good idea to have any stolen, lost or damaged keys deprogrammed by the dealership, since this will ensure that no one can make use of them in the future.
If you have a standard fob getting it replaced at a dealer could be the least costly option. If vehicle key replacement have is not replicable and comes with an embedded chip, it may cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob may differ greatly based on the model and make of your car, so it is recommended to speak with local locksmiths, dealers, or mechanics for a precise cost estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key copied at the dealership. This is cheaper than having it copied by a locksmith, but you'll need to make sure that your spare key is compatible with your car.
If you're replacing your vehicle key at the dealership or with locksmiths, it's essential to to note down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will ensure that your replacement key fits correctly and is paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in the owner's manual, on your dashboard in the corner of your windshield or on the front of your engine block.
In the past, it was not an issue to lose a car key. However, the advancements in technology in modern cars has made it more difficult to replace keys, and this can be very expensive. It is recommended to be prepared with a spare key with you or knowing what your options are for replacing your car keys in the event that they get stolen or lost.