Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys and expensive to replace them. The cost can be different based on the kind of car keys you are using.
The best method to determine how much it will cost to replace the car key is to talk to the locksmith or dealer. Here is a list that outlines several factors that can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, sometimes called chip keys, have an electronic microchip embedded within the keyhead. When the chip is placed into the cylinder of the ignition lock it transmits a coded message to immobilizer of the car. This code matches an ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle since it cannot be started without the correct code.
This kind of key was created to make it more difficult for thieves to hot-wire the vehicle. Before this technology was invented, it was very simple for thieves to open cars by connecting two wires in a process known as "hot wiring." The transponder keys are so secure because they require a unique code in order to be activated. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate using standard tools and must be cloned by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than bladed traditional keys. However, the extra cost can be worth it in the long run, especially when taking into account the security advantages that come with this kind of key.
If you're considering getting a transponder-based key, first determine how important security is to you. Think about spare car key replacement and lifestyle before deciding if the extra cost is worth it.
Car dealerships typically charge a premium for car key replacement services. This is due to the fact that they are the exclusive dealers of certain models of cars and have huge costs of operation. Fortunately, there are many other locksmiths for cars who provide the same service for less.
If you're unsure if your vehicle has a transponder chip, check with the local dealer or auto locksmith. They'll be able to tell whether your vehicle has a transponder chip, and provide you with an estimate of the cost to purchase a new key. Whichever you choose, cheaper non-transponder key or the more expensive transponder keys, it's essential to find a reliable auto locksmith who has worked with your model of car.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some newer vehicles use a more sophisticated design for keys called a sidewinder, or laser cut key. These keys are made by a locksmith or dealer and have an embedded computer chip the keys. They're more expensive, yet they offer better security. This is why they are considered to be a more beneficial investment for people who want to stop car theft.
Laser-cut keys are different from regular two-sided keys since they only have a cut in the middle. The cuts are more precise and are far more difficult to duplicate than standard notches used on regular key blades. They are also more difficult to detect, making them a better deterrent for thieves.
A locksmith or dealer can make use of a milling device to make a laser-cutted key. These machines use a bit designed like a drill to gradually strip the metal from the key. They can remove exactly the amount of metal required for a particular key, which gives them an extremely high level of precision. This makes it difficult for a thief cut their own copy.
Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional keys since they are not able to unlock other cars using the same lock. When a standard key is put into the car, it sends a signal that enables the vehicle to recognize it. This is the reason why the engine will refuse to start if it detects an unrecognized key. However, laser-cut keys have built-in transponders that are associated with a specific vehicle. This means that if a thief can program and cut a laser-cutted key, the engine will not start.
Technicians will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, to retrieve the CNC machine's specifications to cut a laser-cutkey. The process could take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the make and model of the vehicle in question. After the correct specifications have been entered, a laser-cut key can be programmed by the locksmith or dealership.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive, but it is often the best alternative to replace your keys to your car. It is often covered by your insurance plan or warranty. You should check with your insurance company to see if key replacements are covered by the policy. It is also a great idea to have any damaged, lost or stolen keys removed by the dealer to prevent anyone from using them again in the future.
If you have a standard key fob, it might be the cheapest alternative to replace it at the dealership. If your key fob isn't replicable and comes with a chip built-in, it may cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob can vary greatly depending on the make and model of your car, so it's best to consult with local dealers, locksmiths or mechanics for an accurate price estimate.
Another option to save money is by bringing your spare key with you to the dealership and having it cloned there. This can be cheaper than having it cloned by a locksmith, but you'll want to make sure your spare key is compatible with the vehicle you're using it.
If you're replacing your car key at the dealership or through a locksmith, it's important to to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will ensure that your replacement key is properly fitted and can be connected to your vehicle. You will be able to locate your VIN on the dashboard of your vehicle, on the windshield at the corner of the windshield and on the side 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. The technology of modern vehicles has made it more difficult to replace keys and can be expensive. You should always have an extra car key on the go or be aware of your options in case your keys are stolen or lost.