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Cost of Car Key Replacement It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys and expensive to replace them. Based on the kind of keys you own, the cost will vary. Contacting a locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best way to learn how much it will be to replace keys. Below is a list of the factors that can affect the cost. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are also known as chip keys. They are equipped with a microchip that is embedded in the head of the key. The chip transmits a coded signal to the immobilizer of the car when it is put into the ignition lock cylinder. auto car key replacement is matched to an ID number associated with the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a vehicle since it isn't able to be started without a valid code. The motivation behind the creation of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to wire the vehicle. Before this technology was invented it was quite easy for thieves to start vehicles by connecting two wires, a process known as “hot wiring.” Transponder keys are so secure because they require a unique code in order to be activated. These unique codes are very difficult to duplicate using regular tools, and must be copied by an auto locksmith. Transponder keys are more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this cost can be worth it in the end when taking into account the security benefits that come with this kind of key. If you're considering getting a transponder-based key, first consider the importance of security to you. Think about your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the extra expense is worth it. Dealerships are charged a premium to replace car keys. This is due to the fact that they are the only dealers of certain models of cars and have large costs of operation. However, there are other car locksmiths that are professional and provide the same service at lower prices. If you're unsure whether your car is equipped with a chip, you can consult your local auto locksmith or dealer. They will be able to tell you whether or not your vehicle has a chip and will also help determine the cost of purchasing an upgrade. Whether you opt for the lower-cost non-transponder key or more expensive transponder keys, it's essential to find a reputable auto locksmith that has worked with your model of vehicle. Laser-Cut Keys Some newer cars use keys with more advanced designs, known as a laser cut key or sidewinder key. These keys require an auto dealer or locksmith to cut them and program an electronic chip into the key. While automotive car key replacement are more expensive than standard keys, they also come with more security features. This is why they are considered a better investment for those who want to prevent car theft. Contrary to conventional two-sided keys laser-cut keys have cuts in the center of the key only. The cuts are more precise and are much more difficult to duplicate than the typical notches found on regular key blades. automotive key replacement are also harder to detect and are a great deterrent for would-be thieves. A locksmith or dealer can employ a milling machine to create a key that is laser-cut. The machines utilize a bit that looks like drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They can remove the exact amount of metal needed for a particular key and provide an extremely high level of accuracy which makes it harder for a thief to cut their own duplicate. Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional ones because they cannot be used to open other vehicles with the same key lock. When a regular key is inserted into a car, it transmits a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. The engine will not start when the key isn't recognized. However, laser-cut keys have a built-in transponder that is registered to a specific vehicle. This means that if a burglar can cut and program a laser-cut key, the engine will not start. Technicians will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, in order to find the CNC machine's specifications for cutting the laser. This process can take anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours depending on the model and make of the vehicle that is being considered. Once the correct specifications are entered, the laser-cut key can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. Dealerships The process of replacing your car keys through the dealership can be the most expensive option, however it is often the only option. It is typically covered by your insurance plan or warranty. It is advisable to check with your insurance company to see if key replacements are covered by the policy. It's also a good idea to get any stolen, lost, or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, since this will ensure that no one can use them in the future. If you have a standard key fob, it could be the most affordable alternative to replace it at the dealership. If your key fob is not capable of cloning and has a chip built-in it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The price of a keyfob can vary widely based on the car's model and model. It is recommended to contact local locksmiths, mechanics or dealerships for a precise estimate. You can also save money by having your spare key copied at the dealership. This is less expensive than having it copied by a locksmith, however you'll want to ensure that your spare key is compatible with the vehicle you're using it. Whether you're replacing your car key at the dealership or using a locksmith, it's important to take the time to write down your vehicle identification number (VIN). This will ensure that the replacement key is a good fit and can be 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 wasn't an issue to lose a car key. The advancements in technology in modern cars has made it harder to replace keys and could be costly. Always keep a spare car key at and ready in the event that your keys get stolen or lost.