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Cost of Car Key Replacement Losing your car keys is an immense hassle and could be expensive to replace. auto car key replacement can vary depending on the type of key you have. Asking a locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best way to learn the cost to replace keys. Below is a list of some of the variables that could impact the price. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, sometimes referred to as chip keys, have an electronic microchip embedded within the keyhead. When the chip is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder it transmits a coded message to the immobilizer on the car. This code matches an ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car because it can't be started without the code. This type of key was developed to make it more difficult for thieves to heat-wire the vehicle. Before the invention of this technology it was easy for thieves to start vehicles by connecting two wires using a technique called “hot wiring.” The transponder keys are secure because they require a unique code to be activated. They are extremely difficult to duplicate using standard tools, and need to be copied only by an auto locksmith. In the end, the transponder key is more expensive than conventional bladed keys. The extra cost is worth it when you think about the security advantages of this type key. If you're thinking of purchasing a transponder-based key, first consider the importance of security to you. Think about your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the additional cost is worth it. Car dealerships usually charge a premium for the replacement of car keys. This is because they hold the exclusive rights to sell specific models of cars and have high expenses. There are other locksmiths for cars who provide the same service at lower prices. If you're unsure whether your car has chips, you can inquire with your local dealer or auto locksmith. They will be able to tell you whether your car is equipped with an electronic transponder and provide you with an estimate of the cost for a new key. Whether you opt for the lower-cost non-transponder key or more expensive transponder key it is essential to find a reliable auto locksmith who has expertise working with your particular model of car. Laser-Cut Keys Some modern cars have the most advanced key design, known as a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys require an auto dealer or locksmith to cut them and program a computer chip in the key. Although they are more expensive than standard keys, they do come with superior security features. This is why they are regarded as a more beneficial investment for those who want to prevent car theft. Laser-cut keys differ from standard two-sided keys because they only have a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and harder to duplicate than standard notches on regular blades. They are also more difficult to pick and therefore more effective in deterring thieves. A locksmith or dealer would make use of a milling device to create a key that is laser-cut. The machines utilize a bit shaped like a drill to slowly strip the metal from the key. They can take out precisely the amount of metal needed to make a key, which gives them the highest level of precision. This makes it difficult for thieves to make their own duplicate. Laser-cut keys are also more secure than traditional keys since they are not able to open other vehicles with the same lock. When a standard key is placed in the car, it sends a signal that enables the vehicle to recognize it. This is why the engine won't start in the event of detecting an unidentified key. However, laser-cut keys come with a built-in transponder that is registered to a specific car. This means that even if someone thief manages to cut and program a key laser-cut but the engine will refuse to start. A technician will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, in order to find the CNC machine's specifications to cut the laser. The process can take between 15 minutes to a few days, depending on the model and brand of the vehicle. Once the correct specifications are completed, a laser-cut key will be ready for programming by the locksmith or dealer. Dealerships Getting your car key replacement at a dealership is the most expensive option, but it is often necessary. The good news is that many times, it will be covered by insurance or your warranty. Contact your insurance company to ensure that the replacement of keys is covered in the policy. It's also recommended to have any stolen, lost, or damaged keys deprogrammed by the dealership, since this will ensure that no one will be able to use them in the future. If you have a standard fob replacing it by a dealership could be the most affordable option. If your key fob has a chip built in and isn't clonable it's likely to cost more to have it replaced at the dealership or by locksmiths. The cost of a keyfob may vary widely based on the car's model and make. It is recommended to talk to local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships to obtain an accurate estimate. Another way to cut costs is by bringing your spare key with you to the dealer and having it cloned there. It's cheaper to have it cloned by the dealership than by a locksmith. However, you will want to make sure that the spare key is compatible with your vehicle. It is essential to note down your VIN whether you're having your car keys replaced by a dealer or locksmith. This will ensure that your replacement key is properly fitted and can be connected to 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 wasn't an issue to lose a car key. However, the advanced technology of modern cars has made it more difficult to replace them, and this could be extremely expensive. It is recommended to always keep a spare car key on hand or know your options in the event that your keys get stolen or lost.