Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys and expensive to replace them. The cost can be different based on the type you have.
The best way to find out the cost to replace keys to your car is to ask the locksmith or dealer. Here is a list that outlines the various factors that can influence the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, also referred to as chip keys, have an electronic micro-chip built into the keyhead. The chip transmits an encoded signal to the immobilizer of the car when it is placed inside the ignition lock cylinder. This code is in line with an ID number attached to the vehicle. This makes it extremely difficult to steal a car because it cannot be started without the proper code.
The motivation behind the creation of this type of key was to make it more difficult for thieves to heat wire vehicles. Before the invention of this technology it was quite easy for thieves to start cars by connecting two wires using a technique called "hot wiring." The transponder keys are extremely secure due to the fact that they require a unique code to be activated. These codes are difficult to duplicate using regular tools, and need to be cloned only by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this cost can be worth it in the long run when considering the security benefits that come with this type of key.
If you're thinking about purchasing a transponder key, you must first decide on the importance of security to you. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the extra expense is worth it.
Dealerships charge a fee to replace keys for cars. It is because they are the exclusive dealers of certain car models and have huge overheads. Fortunately, there are many other car locksmiths that are professional and provide the same service for less money.
If you're unsure if your car has a transponder chip, consult your local dealer or an auto locksmith. They will be able to tell you whether your vehicle has a transponder chip, and provide an estimate of the cost to get new keys. It is important to select an auto locksmith with a good reputation who has experience with 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 vehicles use a more sophisticated design for keys called a sidewinder, or laser cut keys. Keys are cut by a locksmith or dealership and come with an embedded computer chip in them. They are more expensive, yet they offer better security. This is why they're considered a better investment for those trying to prevent car theft.
In contrast to regular 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 standard notches found on regular key blades. They are also more difficult to pick and therefore more effective in deterring thieves.
A locksmith or dealer can make use of a milling device to create a key that is laser-cut. The machines utilize a bit that is shaped like a drill, to gradually strip the metal from the key. They can remove precisely the amount of metal required for the key in question and provide an extremely high level of accuracy which makes it harder for a criminal to cut their own duplicate.
Another reason why keys made of lasers are more secure than conventional keys is because they can't be used to unlock similar vehicles as they can with regular key locks. When a normal key is inserted into a car, it transmits a signal that enables the vehicle to recognize it. The engine won't start in the event that the key isn't recognized. But, laser-cut keys have a built-in transponder that is registered to a specific car. This means that if a thief is able to program and cut a laser-cut key, the engine won't start.
To cut a laser-cut keys the technician needs to have the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle to locate the proper specifications for it on the CNC machine. The process could take anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours based on the model and make of the vehicle in question. Once the correct specifications are completed, a laser-cut key is ready to be programmed by the locksmith or dealership.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive however, it is the most often needed alternative to replace your keys to your car. The positive side is that a lot of times it can be covered by your warranty or insurance. It is best to consult with your insurance company to see if key replacements are covered by the policy. It's also a good idea to have any stolen, lost or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, since this will ensure that no one will be able to make use of them in the future.
If you have a standard key fob it could be the least expensive alternative to replace it at the dealership. However, if your fob has a chip built in and cannot be duplicated it's likely to cost more money to have it replaced at the dealership or by an locksmith. The cost of a key fob can vary widely based on the model and make of your car, therefore it's recommended to talk to local locksmiths, dealers, or mechanics for a precise cost estimate.
Another way to cut costs is to take your spare key to the dealership and having it cloned there. This is cheaper than having it copied by a locksmith, however you'll want to ensure that your spare key is compatible with your car.
If you're replacing your vehicle key at the dealership or with a locksmith, it's important to make sure you record your vehicle's identification number (VIN). replacement auto key fob will ensure that the replacement key is properly fitted and can be connected to 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 the days of car keys being lost, it was no big deal. The technology of modern vehicles has made it more difficult to replace keys and this can be expensive. It is best to be prepared with an extra key in your car, or know what your options are to replace your car keys in the event that they are stolen or lost.