Cost of Car Key Replacement
Losing your car keys is an enormous hassle and can be costly to replace. Based on the type of key you have, the price may vary.
The best way to find out the price to replace the car key is to speak with the locksmith or dealer. Here is a list of several factors that can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys are also known as chip keys. They have a microchip that is embedded in the head of the key. When the chip is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder it transmits an encrypted message to the immobilizer of the car. The code is matched to an ID number associated with the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car since it isn't able to be started without the code.
The motivation behind the creation of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to hot wire vehicles. Transponder keys require a unique code to be activated. These unique codes are very difficult to duplicate with regular tools and must be cloned by an auto locksmith.
Transponder keys are more expensive than bladed traditional keys. However, this extra cost can be worth it in the end when considering the security advantages that come with this type of key.
If auto car key replacement considering getting a transponder key, you must first consider the importance of security to you. Consider your budget and lifestyle to determine whether the additional expense is worth it for you.
Car dealerships typically charge a premium for car key replacement services. This is because they hold the exclusive rights to sell specific models of cars and have very high costs of operation. However, there are other locksmiths for cars who provide the same service for less money.
If you're unsure if your car is equipped with a transponder chip, inquire with your local dealer or an auto locksmith. They'll be able to inform you if your vehicle has a chip and will also help determine the cost of purchasing a new one. If you decide to go with the cheaper non-transponder key or the more expensive transponder key, it's essential to find a reliable auto locksmith that has worked with your model of car.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some modern vehicles have a more sophisticated design for keys known as a sidewinder or laser cut keys. These keys require the services of a locksmith or car dealer to cut them and program the computer chip inside the key. They're more expensive, yet they offer more security. This is why they are considered to be a more beneficial investment for those who want 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 a lot harder to duplicate than the standard notches used on regular key blades. They are also more difficult to pick, making them an excellent deterrent for would-be thieves.
To create a laser-cut key, a locksmith or dealer uses a milling machine that is specifically designed for this purpose. These machines employ a tool that is shaped like a drill, to gradually strip the metal from the key. They can remove precisely the amount of metal needed to make a particular key, which gives them the highest level of precision which makes it harder for thieves to cut their own duplicate.
Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional ones because they can't be used to open other vehicles with the same lock. When a standard key is inserted into a car, it transmits an indication that allows the vehicle to recognize it. This is why the engine won't start if it detects an unrecognized key. Laser-cut keys come with a transponder that is registered to a particular vehicle. This means that even if a burglar manages to cut and program a laser-cut key, the engine will still not start.
Technicians will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, to retrieve the CNC machine's specifications for cutting the laser. The process could take anywhere between 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the make and model of the vehicle in question. Once the correct specifications are completed, a laser-cut key can be programmed by the locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
The dealership is the most expensive, however, it is the most often needed option to replace your car keys. It is typically covered by your insurance or warranty. Contact your insurance company to ensure that key replacement is included in the policy. It is also a great idea to have any damaged keys, stolen or lost removed by the dealer to prevent anyone from using them in the future.
If you have a standard fob, getting it replaced at a dealer could be the most affordable alternative. If your key fob has a chip built in and can't be cloned it is likely to cost more to get it replaced at the dealership or by locksmiths. The cost of a key fob could differ greatly based on the model and make of your vehicle, so it is recommended to speak with local dealers, locksmiths or mechanics for an accurate cost estimate.
Another way to cut costs is to bring your spare key to the dealership and having it copied there. This is cheaper than having it cloned by a locksmith, but you'll want to ensure that your spare key is compatible with your vehicle.
It's important that you note down your VIN whether you're getting your car key replaced at a dealership or a locksmith. This will ensure that the replacement key is properly fitted and can be paired to your vehicle. You should be able to find your VIN on the dashboard of your vehicle, on the windshield in the corner of the windshield, 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 no big deal. The technology of modern vehicles has made it harder to replace keys and can be expensive. It is recommended to always keep a spare car key on and ready in the event that your keys get stolen or lost.