Cost of Car Key Replacement
It's a big trouble to lose your car keys and costly to replace keys. Depending on the type of key you have, the costs can vary.
The best way to find out how much it will cost to replace the car key is to talk to an auto locksmith or a dealership. Here is a list of the various factors that could affect the price.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, sometimes called chip keys, have an electronic micro-chip built into the keyhead. When the chip is inserted in the cylinder for ignition it transmits an encrypted message to the immobilizer of the vehicle. This code is in line with an ID number associated with the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle because it isn't able to be started without a valid code.
The transponder key was created to make it harder for thieves to hot-wire vehicles. Transponder keys require a distinct code to activate. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate with regular tools, and must be copied by an auto locksmith.
As a result, the transponder key is more expensive than conventional bladed keys. However, this cost is usually worth it in the long run, especially when taking into account the security benefits of this type of key.
If you're thinking about purchasing a transponder-based key, first determine how important security is to you. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the extra cost is worth it.
Car dealerships typically charge a fee for car key replacement services. This is due to the fact that they are the only dealers of certain models of cars and have huge overheads. There are other professional car locksmiths who provide the same service for less money.
If you're unsure if your car is equipped with a transponder chip, you can check with the local dealer or auto locksmith. They'll be able inform you if your vehicle has a chip and will also help determine the cost of getting a new one. If you decide to go with the cheaper non-transponder key or the more expensive transponder keys, it is essential to find a reliable auto locksmith that has experience working with your type of car.
Laser-Cut Keys
Certain newer cars use a more sophisticated key design called a sidewinder, or laser cut key. These keys are cut by a locksmith or dealer and have an embedded computer chip in them. While Visit Webpage are more expensive than conventional keys, they also come with more security features. This is why they're a better investment for those looking to protect their car from theft.
Laser-cut keys are different from regular two-sided keys since they are only cut in the middle. The cuts are more precise and are far more difficult to duplicate than standard notches that are found on standard key blades. They are also difficult to discern and are a great deterrent for would-be thieves.
To make a laser-cut key, dealers or locksmiths use a special milling machine. These machines use a bit shaped like a drill to gradually strip the metal from the key. They can remove precisely the amount of metal needed to make a specific key and provide an extremely high level of accuracy that makes it more difficult for a criminal to cut their own copy.
Laser-cut keys are more secure than conventional keys since they are not able to open other cars with the same lock. When a normal car key is inserted, it sends a signal the vehicle which allows it to recognize it. This is why the engine won't start when it detects an unidentified key. Laser-cut keys, however, have a built-in transponder, which is registered to a particular vehicle. This means that even if someone thief can cut and program a laser-cut key but the engine will refuse to start.
To cut a key laser-cut the technician needs to have the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle to retrieve the appropriate specs for it in the CNC machine. The process can take anywhere from 15 minutes up to a few days based on the model and brand of the vehicle. After the correct specifications have been completed, a laser-cut key will be ready for programming 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 typically covered by your insurance plan or warranty. Contact your insurance company to make sure that key replacement is included in the policy. It is also a great idea to have any damaged keys that are stolen, lost, or damaged 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 cheapest option. If the key fob you have is not replicable and comes with a chip built-in it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob can vary widely based on the model and make of your car, so it's best to consult with local dealers, locksmiths or mechanics for a precise cost estimate.
You can also save money by having your spare key copied at the dealership. It is cheaper to have it cloned by the dealership rather than through locksmith. However, you'll need to ensure that your spare key works with your vehicle.
It is essential to write down your VIN, whether you're having your car key replaced at a dealership or by locksmith. This will ensure that your replacement key fits correctly and is paired with your vehicle. You can locate your VIN on the dashboard of your vehicle or 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 was not a big deal to lose the key to your car. The advancements in technology in modern cars has made it harder to replace keys and can be expensive. Always keep an extra car key on and ready in case your keys are stolen or lost.