Cost of Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys can be an immense hassle and could be expensive to replace. The cost can be different based on the kind of car keys you have.
The best method to determine how much it will cost to replace keys to your car is to speak with an auto locksmith or a dealership. Below is a list of the variables that could impact the price.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are also referred to as chip keys. They have an embedded microchip in the head of the key. The chip transmits an encoded signal to the immobilizer of the car when it is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. This code matches an ID number attached to the vehicle. This makes it extremely difficult to steal a vehicle because it is not able to be started without the proper code.
The reason for the development of this type of key was to make it harder 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." Transponder keys are secure because they require a unique code in order to be activated. These unique codes are very difficult to duplicate with regular tools and must be cloned by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this extra cost is often worth it in the long run when taking into account the security benefits that come with this kind of key.
If you're thinking of purchasing a transponder key, you must first decide on the importance of security to you. Think about your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the expense is worth it.
Dealerships charge a premium to replace car keys. cheap key replacement car is due to the fact that they are the exclusive dealers of certain car models and have high costs of operation. However, there are other professional car locksmiths who provide the same service at lower prices.
If you're not sure if your vehicle has a transponder chip, you can check with your local dealer or an auto locksmith. They can tell you whether your car is equipped with a transponder chip and also give you an estimate of the cost for a new key. If you decide to go with the lower-cost non-transponder key or more expensive transponder key, it's important to find a reputable auto locksmith that has expertise working with your particular model of vehicle.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some newer vehicles use keys with more sophisticated designs known as a sidewinder or laser cut key. These keys are cut by a locksmith or dealership and have a computer chip programmed in the keys. While these keys are more expensive than traditional keys, they do come with more security features. This is why they are considered to be a better investment for those who wish to avoid car theft.
Laser-cut keys differ from regular two-sided keys since they have only a cut in the middle. These cuts are much more precise and far more difficult to duplicate than the typical notches that are found on standard key blades. They are also harder to detect which makes them a great deterrent for would-be thieves.
A locksmith or dealer would employ a milling machine to create a laser-cut key. These machines use a bit that resembles an ax to slowly remove the key's metal. car replacement key fob can remove precisely the amount of metal needed for a particular key, allowing them to have an extremely high level of precision. This makes it difficult for a thief cut their own duplicate.
Another reason why keys made of lasers are more secure than traditional keys is that they cannot be used to unlock other similar vehicles as they can with regular key locks. When a regular car key is inserted, it sends a signal the vehicle that allows it to recognize it. This is why the engine won't start when it detects an unidentified key. Laser-cut keys come with a transponder, which is associated with a specific vehicle. This means that even if a thief can cut and program a laser-cut key but the engine will refuse to start.
To cut a laser-cut keys technicians will need to have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in order to find the right specifications for it in the CNC machine. This process can last between 15 minutes to a few days based on the model and brand of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications are entered the key cut by laser can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive but often necessary alternative to replace your car keys. The good news is that a lot of times, it is covered by insurance or your warranty. Contact your insurance company to ensure that the replacement of keys is covered in the policy. It's also a great idea to have any damaged, lost or stolen keys deprogrammed by the dealer, as this will prevent anyone from using them in the future.
If you have an ordinary key fob, it might be the cheapest option to get it replaced at the dealership. If your key fob isn't replicable and comes with an embedded chip it might cost more to replace it at the dealership. The price of a key fob can vary widely depending on the car's model and make. It is recommended to contact local locksmiths, mechanics or dealerships to obtain an accurate estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key cloned at the dealership. This is cheaper than having it cloned by a locksmith, however you'll want to make sure your spare key is compatible with your car.
Whether you're replacing your car key at the dealership or using locksmiths, it's essential to take the time to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help to ensure that the new key is a good fit and can be paired with your vehicle. You will be able to locate your VIN on the dashboard of your vehicle or on the windshield at the corner of the windshield or on the front of the engine block or in the owner's manual.
In the past, it was not an issue to lose the key to your car. However, the advanced technology of modern automobiles has made it more difficult to replace keys, which can be quite costly. It is recommended to always keep a spare car key at and ready in the event that your keys are stolen or lost.