Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a major problem to lose your car keys and it can be costly to replace them. Based on the kind of keys you own, the cost will differ.
Contacting a locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best way to find out the cost to replace a key. 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 contain the microchip which is embedded in the head of the key. When the chip is placed in the ignition lock cylinder and it sends an encrypted message to the immobilizer on the car. This code matches an ID number attached to the vehicle. This makes it extremely difficult to steal a vehicle since it isn't able to be started without the code.
The transponder key was created to make it difficult for thieves to hot-wire a vehicle. Transponder keys require a unique code to activate. These unique codes are very difficult to duplicate using standard tools and must be copied by an auto locksmith.
This means that the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this cost is usually worth it in the long run when considering the security benefits that come with this type of key.
If you're considering getting a transponder key, you must first decide on the importance of security to you. Think about your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the cost is worth it.
Dealerships are charged a premium to replace keys for cars. This is because they hold exclusive right to sell certain models of cars and have high expenses. There are a variety of professional car locksmiths who provide the same service at lower costs.
If you are unsure whether your car is equipped with a chip, you can consult your local dealer or auto locksmith. They will be able to inform you if your vehicle is chip-equipped and can also help you determine the cost to purchase a new one. It is important to select an auto locksmith with a good reputation who has experience with your car model, whether you opt for the cheaper transponder or the more expensive keys that are not transponder-compatible.
Laser-Cut Keys
Certain cars with modern technology have keys with more advanced designs called laser cut keys or sidewinder key. These keys require an auto dealer or locksmith to cut them and then program an electronic chip into the key. They are more expensive, but they provide better security. This is why they're considered an investment that is more beneficial for those looking to protect their car from theft.
Laser-cut keys differ from regular two-sided key because they are only cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and harder to duplicate than the standard notches on standard key 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. These machines employ a tool shaped like a drill to gradually strip the metal from the key. They can take out precisely the amount of metal required for a particular key, which gives them the highest level of precision. This makes it difficult for thieves to 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 normal car key is used, it sends a signal to the vehicle which allows it to recognize it. This is why the engine will refuse to start if it detects an unrecognized key. However, laser-cut keys come with built-in transponders that are registered to a specific vehicle. This means that even if a thief can cut and program a laser-cut key, the engine will still refuse to start.
A technician will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, to retrieve the CNC machine's specifications for cutting a laser-cutkey. 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 laser-cut key is ready to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
Getting your car key replacement at the dealership might be the most expensive option, however it is often the only option. It is often covered by your insurance plan or warranty. It is best to consult with your insurance company to determine if replacement keys are covered by the policy. It's also a great idea to get any damaged keys that are stolen, lost, or damaged deprogrammed by the dealer, since this will stop anyone from using them in the future.
If you have a standard key fob, replacing it at a dealership may be the cheapest alternative. However, if your key fob is equipped with a chip and cannot be duplicated it is likely to cost more to get it replaced at the dealership or through an locksmith. The price of a key fob can vary widely depending on your car's model and make. It is best to speak with local locksmiths, mechanics or dealerships to obtain an accurate estimate.
Another way to cut costs is to take your spare key with you to the dealer and having it copied there. It is cheaper to have it cloned at the dealership rather than through a locksmith. However, you will be sure to ensure that the spare key is compatible with your vehicle.
It's essential to record your VIN whether you're getting your car key replaced by a dealer or a locksmith. car key replacement fob will help ensure that the key replacement is of the correct size and can be paired with your vehicle. You will be able to locate your VIN on the dashboard of your car or on the windshield in the corner of the windshield or on the front of the engine block or in the owner's manual.
In the past the days of car keys being lost, it was not a big issue. The advancements in technology in modern cars has made it harder to replace keys and this could be costly. It's best to be prepared with an extra key in your car or knowing what options you have to replace your car keys in the event they get stolen or lost.