Cost of Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys is a huge hassle and can be expensive to replace. The cost will vary based on the kind of car keys you are using.
A locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best way to find out how much it will cost to replace the key. Here is a list that outlines some of the factors which can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, often referred to as chip keys, are equipped with an electronic microchip that is embedded in the keyhead. When the chip is inserted into the cylinder of the ignition lock, it sends a coded message to immobilizer of the car. This code matches a special ID number that is linked to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle because it cannot be started without the code.
The main reason behind the development of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to heat wire the vehicle. Before this technology was invented it was quite easy for thieves to open cars by connecting two wires, a process known as "hot wiring." The transponder keys are so secure because they require a unique code to be activated. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate with regular tools and must be cloned by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, i was reading this can be worth it in the end when taking into account the security advantages that come with this kind of key.
If you're considering getting a transponder key, you must first determine how important security is to you. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the extra cost is worth it.
Car dealerships often charge a premium for key replacement services for cars. It is because they are the only dealers of certain models of cars and have huge costs of operation. There are numerous professional car locksmiths who provide the same service at lower costs.
If you are unsure whether your car is equipped with chip, consult your local auto locksmith or dealer. They will be able to tell you whether your car is equipped with a transponder chip, and provide you with an estimate of the cost for a new key. Whichever you choose, lower-cost non-transponder key or more expensive transponder key it is essential to find a reliable auto locksmith with expertise working with your particular model of car.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some newer vehicles use a more sophisticated design for keys called a sidewinder, or laser cut keys. Keys are cut by a locksmith or dealership and include an embedded computer chip in them. While these keys are more expensive than standard ones, they also offer superior security features. This is why they are regarded as a better investment for those who wish to avoid car theft.
Laser-cut keys differ from standard two-sided keys because they have only a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and tougher to duplicate than the standard notches on regular blades. They are also more difficult to pick and therefore more effective in deterring thieves.
A locksmith or dealer will use a milling machine to make a laser-cutted key. The machines utilize a bit that looks like drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They 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 more difficult for a thief cut their own copy.
Laser-cut keys are also more secure than traditional keys because they cannot be used to open other cars with the same key lock. When a normal key is placed in the vehicle, it emits a signal that enables the vehicle to recognize it. This is why the engine won't start if it detects an unrecognized key. Laser-cut keys have a built-in transponder, which is registered to a particular vehicle. This means that even if a burglar can cut and program a laser-cut keys but the engine will not start.
A technician will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, to find the CNC machine's specifications for cutting the laser. This process can last between 15 minutes to a few days, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications have been entered the key cut by laser is now ready to be programmed by the locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
Getting your car key replacement at the dealership might be the most expensive option but it is often necessary. The positive side is that a lot of times it can be covered by your warranty or insurance. You should check with your auto insurance provider to see if key replacements are covered under the policy. It is also an excellent idea 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 again in the future.
If you have a standard fob, replacing it at a dealer could be the least costly option. However, if your key fob has a chip built in and can't be cloned it's likely to cost more to get it replaced at the dealership or through locksmiths. The cost of a key fob could vary widely based on the make and model of your car, therefore it's recommended to talk to local dealerships, locksmiths or mechanics to get an accurate cost estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key cloned at the dealership. This can be cheaper than having it copied by a locksmith, however you'll need to make sure that your spare key is compatible with your vehicle.
If you're replacing your vehicle key at the dealership or through a locksmith, it's important to to note down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help ensure that the key replacement is the correct fit and can be paired with your vehicle. You can locate 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 a big deal to lose the car keys. However, the technology of modern cars has made it more difficult to replace keys, and this can be very costly. You should always have a spare car key at hand or know your options in the event that your keys are lost or stolen.