How Cost Of Car Key Replacement Has Become The Most Sought-After Trend Of 2023
Cost of Car Key Replacement
It can be a huge trouble to lose your car keys, and costly to replace keys. The cost will vary based on the kind of car keys you are using.
Asking a locksmith or dealer to provide an estimate is the best method to determine the cost to replace keys. Here is a list of some of the factors which can affect the cost.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys, often called chip keys, are equipped with an electronic microchip embedded within the keyhead. When the chip is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder it transmits a coded message to immobilizer on the car. The code is matched to an ID number attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle because it can't be started without the code.
The main reason behind the development of this type of key was to make it more difficult for thieves to hot wire a vehicle. Transponder keys require a unique code to be activated. They are extremely difficult to duplicate using standard tools, and must be copied only by an auto locksmith.
In the end, the transponder key is more expensive than conventional bladed keys. However, this cost is often worth it in the end when taking into account the security advantages that come with this type of key.
If you're considering getting a transponder key, first consider the importance of security to you. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the extra cost is worth it.
Car dealerships often charge a fee for car key replacement services. This is due to the fact that they are the sole dealers for certain car models and have high costs of operation. There are other locksmiths for cars who offer the same quality service for less money.
If you're unsure if your car is equipped with a transponder chip, consult your local dealer or auto locksmith. They can tell you whether your vehicle has a transponder chip, and provide an estimate of the cost to get an entirely new key. If you decide to go with the cheaper non-transponder key or the more expensive transponder key it's important to locate a reputable auto locksmith who has experience working with your type of car.
Laser-Cut Keys
Some newer vehicles use keys with more sophisticated designs called a sidewinder, or laser cut keys. These keys are cut by a locksmith or dealer and include an embedded computer chip in the keys. They are more expensive, but they provide greater security. This is why they're considered a better investment for those who are 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 are much more difficult to duplicate than the standard notches used on regular key blades. They are also harder to pick and therefore an effective deterrent to thieves.
To create a laser-cut key, the locksmith or dealer utilizes 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 for a specific key, allowing them to have a high degree of precision. This makes it more difficult for a thief cut their own duplicate.
vehicle key replacement why keys that are laser-cut are more secure than conventional keys is because they can't be used to unlock similar vehicles like they would with standard key locks. When a standard key is put into the vehicle, it emits a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. This is why the engine will refuse to start in the event of detecting an unidentified key. However, laser-cut keys have built-in transponders that are registered to a specific car. This means that even if a burglar manages to cut and program a laser-cut key, the engine will still refuse to start.
To cut a laser-cut key the technician needs to have the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in order to locate the proper specifications for it in the CNC machine. This process can last between 15 minutes to a few days, depending on the model and brand of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications are entered the key laser-cut can be programmed by the locksmith or dealer.
Dealerships
Getting your car key replacement at the dealership might be the most expensive option however, it is usually necessary. It is often covered by your insurance or warranty. Check with your auto insurer to confirm that replacement for keys is included in the policy. It's also a good idea to have any damaged, lost or stolen keys deprogrammed by the dealer, to prevent anyone from using them in the future.
If you have a standard key fob it may be the cheapest option to replace it at the dealership. If the key fob you have is not clonable and has an embedded chip it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a keyfob may differ widely based on your car's model and make. It is best to speak with local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships to obtain an accurate estimate.
Another method to cut costs is to bring your spare key to the dealership and having it cloned there. This is less expensive than having it cloned by a locksmith, however you'll need to make sure that your spare key is compatible with the vehicle you're using it.
It's important that you 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 is properly fitted and is paired with 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, it was not an issue to lose the car keys. However, the technology of modern cars has made it more difficult to replace keys, which can be quite costly. It is recommended to be prepared with an extra key in your car, or know what options you have for replacing your car keys in the event that they get stolen or lost.