Cost of Car Key Replacement
The loss of your car keys is an enormous hassle and can be costly to replace. Based on the kind of key you have, the price can differ.
The best method to determine how much it will cost to replace the car key is to speak with an auto locksmith or a dealership. Here is a list that outlines the various factors that can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are also known as chip keys. They are equipped with the microchip which is embedded inside the head of the key. When the chip is inserted in the cylinder for ignition it transmits a coded message to the immobilizer on the car. The code is matched to a unique ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle because it is not able to be started without the correct code.
This type of key was designed to make it difficult for thieves to heat-wire a vehicle. Transponder keys require an unique code in order to activate. They are extremely difficult to duplicate using standard tools, and need to be duplicated only by an auto locksmith.
In keys replacement , the transponder key is more expensive than conventional bladed keys. However, this cost can be worth it in the end when considering the security advantages that come with this kind of key.
Consider how important security is for you prior to deciding to get a transponder. Take into consideration your budget and your lifestyle to determine whether or not the expense is worth it for you.
Dealerships charge a premium to replace keys for cars. This is because they have the exclusive right to sell certain models of cars and have very high costs of operation. Fortunately, there are many other car locksmiths that are professional and provide the same service at lower prices.
If you're unsure if your car is equipped with a transponder chip, you can inquire with the local dealer or auto locksmith. They can tell you whether your car is equipped with an electronic transponder and provide you with an estimate of the cost to get new keys. If you decide to go with the lower-cost non-transponder key or more expensive transponder keys, it is essential to find a reliable auto locksmith who has worked with your model of car.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some modern cars have a more advanced key design that is known as a laser cut key or sidewinder key. Keys are cut by a locksmith or dealer and come with an embedded computer chip in them. They're more expensive, yet they offer more security. This is why they're considered an investment that is more beneficial for those trying to prevent car theft.
In contrast to regular two-sided keys laser-cut keys are cut in the center of the key only. These cuts are much more precise and are far more difficult to duplicate than standard notches used on regular key blades. They are also harder to discern which makes them a great deterrent for would-be thieves.
A locksmith or dealer can use a milling machine to create a laser-cut key. The machines utilize a bit that looks like drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They can take out the exact amount of metal needed for the key in question, which gives them a high level of precision which makes it harder for a thief to cut their own duplicate.
Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than conventional keys because they cannot be used to open other vehicles with the same key lock. When a regular key is put into the car, it sends a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. This is the reason why the engine won't start if it detects an unrecognized key. But, laser-cut keys have built-in transponders that are registered to a specific car. This means that even if a thief can cut and program a laser-cut key but the engine will not start.
Technicians will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, in order to find the CNC machine's specifications to cut the laser. The process could take anywhere between 15 minutes and a few hours depending on the model and make of the vehicle being examined. Once the correct specifications are entered, a laser-cut keys can be programmed by the locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive, but it is often the best option to replace your keys to your car. The good news is that a lot of times, it is covered by your warranty or insurance. Check with your auto insurer to ensure that key replacement is included in the policy. It's also an excellent idea to get any lost, stolen or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, as this will ensure that no one will be able to make use of them in the future.
If you have an ordinary key fob, it could be the most affordable alternative to replace it at the dealership. If your key fob isn't replicable and comes with an embedded chip, it may cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob could vary greatly depending on the make and model of your car, therefore it's recommended to talk to local dealers, locksmiths or mechanics to get an accurate price estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key copied at the dealership. It can be cheaper to have it cloned by the dealership than by locksmith. However, you'll want to make sure that the spare key is compatible with your vehicle.
If you're replacing your vehicle key at the dealership or using a locksmith, it's important to take the time to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will help to ensure that the new key is of the correct size and can be paired with your vehicle. You should be able to find your VIN on the dashboard of your vehicle 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 wasn't a big deal to lose the key to your car. The advancements in technology in modern cars has made it more difficult to replace keys and this can be costly. It is recommended to always keep a spare car key at and ready in the event that your keys get stolen or lost.