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Cost of Car Key Replacement Losing your car keys can be a huge hassle and can be costly to replace. Depending on the kind of keys you have, the costs can vary. Asking a locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best way to find out how much it will cost to replace a key. Below is a list of a few of the variables that could impact the price. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are also referred as chip keys. They have a microchip that is embedded into the head of the key. When the chip is inserted in the ignition lock cylinder it transmits a coded message to the immobilizer of the vehicle. The code is matched to an ID number associated with the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car because it cannot be started without the code. The transponder key was created to make it more difficult for thieves to heat-wire a vehicle. Before this technology was invented it was easy for thieves to start vehicles by connecting two wires, a process called “hot wiring.” The transponder keys are so secure because they require a unique code in order to be activated. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate with regular tools and must be copied by an auto locksmith. As replacement key car , the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. The extra cost is worthwhile when you take into consideration the security benefits of this type key. Consider the importance of security for you before you decide to purchase transponders. Then consider your budget and lifestyle to decide whether or not the cost is worth it for you. Car dealerships typically charge a premium for key replacement services for cars. This is because they have exclusive rights to sell specific models of cars and have very high expenses. Fortunately, there are many other professional car locksmiths who provide the same high-quality service at lower prices. If you're not sure if your car has a transponder chip, check with your local dealer or an auto locksmith. They'll be able determine if your vehicle is chip-equipped and can also help you determine the cost of getting a new one. Whether you opt for the less expensive non-transponder keys or the more expensive transponder keys, it is essential to find a reputable auto locksmith that has expertise working with your particular model of car. Laser-Cut Keys Some newer cars use a more advanced key design called laser cut keys or sidewinder key. Keys are cut by a locksmith or dealership and come with a computer chip programmed in them. While they are more expensive than standard keys, they do come with superior security features. This is why they're an investment that is more beneficial for those looking to protect their car from theft. Laser-cut keys are different from standard two-sided keys because they have only a cut in the middle. These cuts are more precise and difficult to duplicate than standard notches on regular key blades. They are also harder to pick and therefore more effective in deterring thieves. A locksmith or dealer can make use of a milling device to create a laser-cut key. The machines utilize a bit that looks like drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They can remove exactly the amount of metal needed for a specific key, which gives them an extremely high level of precision. This makes it harder for thieves to make their own copy. Laser-cut keys are also more secure than conventional keys because they cannot be used to open other cars with the same key lock. When a standard car key is inserted it sends a signal to the vehicle, which allows it to recognize it. The engine will not begin if the key is not recognized. Laser-cut keys, however, come with a transponder, which is associated with a specific vehicle. This means that if someone can cut and program a laser-cut key, the engine won't start. Technicians will require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, in order to retrieve the CNC machine's specifications to cut the laser. This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the model and make of the vehicle being examined. Once the correct specifications have been entered the key cut by laser is ready to be programmed by the locksmith or dealer. Dealerships Finding a replacement for your car key at a dealership is the most expensive option, however it is often the only option. The positive side is that a lot of times it can be covered by insurance or your warranty. Check with your auto insurer to make sure that replacement for keys is included in the policy. It's also a good idea to have any stolen, lost, or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, as this will ensure that no one will be able to use them again in the future. If you have a standard fob, replacing it at a dealer could be the most affordable alternative. 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 keyfob can vary widely depending on the model of your car and make. It is best to speak with local locksmiths, mechanics or dealerships for a precise estimate. Another method to cut costs is to take your spare key with you to the dealership and having it copied there. It's cheaper to have it cloned by the dealership than through a locksmith. However, you will need to ensure that your spare key works with your vehicle. It's important that you record your VIN whether you're getting your car key replaced by a dealer or a locksmith. This will ensure that the replacement key is properly fitted and is paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in the owner's manual, on your dashboard or in the corner of your windshield, or on the front of your engine block. In the past the days of car keys being lost, it was no big deal. However, the advanced technology of modern automobiles has made it more difficult to replace them, and this could be extremely expensive. You should always have a spare car key on hand or know your options in the event that your keys get stolen or lost.