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Cost of Car Key Replacement It's a big problem to lose your car keys, and expensive to replace them. Based on the kind of keys you have, the price may vary. The best method to determine the cost to replace a car key is to ask an auto locksmith or a dealership. Here is a list of some of the factors which could affect the price. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are also referred to as chip keys. They are equipped with an embedded microchip in the head of the key. The chip sends out a coded signal to the car's immobilizer when it is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder. This code matches an ID number associated with the vehicle. Our Home Page makes it extremely difficult to steal a car because it cannot be started without the code. This kind of key was designed to make it harder for thieves to hot-wire a vehicle. Before this technology came along it was quite easy for thieves to start cars by connecting two wires in a process known as “hot wiring.” The transponder keys are secure because they require a unique code in order to be activated. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate using standard tools and must be cloned by an auto locksmith. Transponder keys are more expensive than bladed traditional keys. However, this extra cost is usually worth it in the long run when taking into account the security benefits of this type of key. If you're thinking about purchasing a transponder key, first consider the importance of security to you. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the additional cost is worth it. Car dealerships often charge a fee for key replacement services for cars. This is due to the fact that they are the only dealers of certain models of cars and have huge overheads. There are other car locksmiths that are professional and provide the same service for less money. If you're unsure whether your vehicle has a transponder chip, you can check with your local dealer or auto locksmith. They'll be able determine if your vehicle has a chip and also help determine the cost of purchasing an upgrade. Whichever you choose, cheaper non-transponder key or the more expensive transponder key, it's important to find a reliable auto locksmith with expertise working with your particular model of vehicle. Laser-Cut Keys Some newer cars use the most advanced key design called laser cut keys or sidewinder key. Keys are cut by a locksmith or dealership and have an embedded computer chip in the keys. Although they are more expensive than conventional keys, they also come with superior security features. This is the reason why they're an investment that is more beneficial for those who are looking to protect their car from theft. Laser-cut keys differ from regular two-sided keys since they only have a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and difficult to duplicate than the standard notches on standard key blades. They are also more difficult to pick and therefore an effective deterrent to thieves. To make a laser-cut key, dealers or locksmiths use a special milling machine. These machines employ a tool that looks like drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They can take out precisely the amount of metal required for a particular key, which gives them a high degree of precision. This makes it difficult for a thief cut their own duplicate. Laser-cut keys can also be more secure than traditional keys because they can't be used to open other vehicles with the same key lock. When a standard key is put into the car, it sends an indication that allows the vehicle to recognize it. The engine won't start when the key isn't recognized. Laser-cut keys, however, have a built-in transponder, which is registered to a particular vehicle. This means that even if someone thief manages to cut and program a laser-cut keys, the engine will still not start. A technician will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, to locate the CNC machine's specifications for cutting the laser. The process can range between 15 minutes to a few hours based on the make and model of the vehicle in question. Once the correct specifications are entered, a laser-cut key is ready to be programmed by the locksmith or dealer. Dealerships The dealership is the most expensive, but it is often the best alternative to replace your car keys. 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 is also a good idea to get any stolen, lost, or damaged keys deprogrammed by the dealership, as this will ensure that no one else will be able to use them in the future. If you have a standard key fob it might be the least expensive alternative to replace it at the dealership. If your key fob is equipped with a chip and isn't clonable it's likely to cost more money to have it replaced at the dealership or by a locksmith. The price of a keyfob can differ widely based on your car's model and make. It is best to talk to local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships for a precise estimate. Another method to cut costs is to take your spare key with you to the dealer and having it cloned there. This can be cheaper than having it copied by a locksmith, however you'll need to make sure that your spare key is compatible with your car. It is essential to note down your VIN whether you're getting your car key replaced at a dealership or by a locksmith. This will help ensure that the replacement key is a good fit and can be paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in your 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 advancements in technology in modern cars has made it more difficult to replace keys, and this can be very costly. It is best to be prepared by having an extra key on hand or knowing what your options are for replacing your car keys in the event that they are lost or stolen.