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Cost of Car Key Replacement It can be a major hassle to lose your car keys and it can be costly to replace keys. The cost can vary depending on the type you are using. The best way to find out the cost to replace keys to your car is to talk to an auto locksmith or a dealership. Below is a list of the elements that could impact the cost. Transponder Keys Transponder keys are also known as chip keys. They have the microchip which is embedded in the head of the key. When the chip is placed in the cylinder for ignition it transmits a coded message to immobilizer of the car. The code is matched to an ID number that is 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 in order to activate. These unique codes are difficult to duplicate with regular tools and must be cloned by an auto locksmith. Transponder keys are more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this extra cost can be worth it in the long run, especially when taking into account the security benefits that come with this type of key. Consider how important security is for you before deciding to get transponders. Consider your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the cost is worth it. Dealerships charge a premium to replace keys for cars. This is due to the fact that they are the sole dealers for certain car models and have huge costs of operation. There are many professional car locksmiths who provide the same service but at lower rates. If you aren't sure if your car has chips, you can inquire with your local auto locksmith or dealer. They'll be able determine if your car has a chip and will also help determine the cost to purchase an upgrade. Whether you opt for the lower-cost non-transponder key or more expensive transponder keys, it is essential to find a reliable auto locksmith that has experience working with your type of vehicle. Laser-Cut Keys Certain newer cars use a more sophisticated key design called a sidewinder, or laser cut key. These keys require an auto dealer or locksmith to cut them, and then program a computer chip in the key. Although these keys are more expensive than standard keys, they do come with superior security features. This is why they're the best choice for those looking to protect their car from theft. In contrast to regular two-sided keys laser-cut keys have cuts in the middle of the key only. These cuts are more precise and tougher to duplicate than standard notches on standard key blades. They are also more difficult to pick and therefore a better deterrent for thieves. A locksmith or dealer would employ a milling machine to make a laser-cutted key. These machines use a bit that resembles drills to slowly strip away the key's metal. They can remove exactly the amount of metal needed for a particular key, allowing them to have a high degree of precision. This makes it difficult for thieves to cut their own duplicate. Another reason why keys that are laser-cut are more secure than conventional keys is that they cannot be used to unlock other similar vehicles like they would with regular key locks. When a regular car key is used, it sends a signal the vehicle that lets it recognize it. The engine won't start in the event that the key isn't recognized. Laser-cut keys, however, come with a transponder, which is associated with a specific vehicle. This means that even if someone thief manages to cut and program a key laser-cut, the engine will still not start. To cut a laser-cut keys 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 take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the make and model of the vehicle in question. After the correct specifications have been entered, a laser-cut keys can be programmed by the locksmith or dealership. Dealerships The dealership is the most expensive but it is often the best option to replace your car keys. It is typically covered by your insurance or warranty. Check with your auto insurer to ensure that the replacement of keys is covered in the policy. It's also a good idea to have any damaged keys that are stolen, lost, or damaged deprogrammed by your dealer, to prevent anyone from using them in the future. If you have a standard key fob it might be the least expensive option to replace it at the dealership. If your key fob is not capable of cloning and has an embedded chip, it may cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a key fob could vary widely based on the model and brand of your car, therefore it's recommended to talk to local locksmiths, dealers, or mechanics for an accurate price estimate. Another method to cut costs is to take your spare key with you to the dealership and having it cloned there. car key replacement near me is less expensive than having it cloned by a locksmith, but you'll want to make sure your spare key is compatible with your car. Whether you're replacing your car key at the dealership or through a locksmith, it's important to to record your vehicle's identification number (VIN). This will help to ensure that the new key is the correct fit and can be paired with your vehicle. You can find your VIN in your 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 past, losing a car key was not a major issue. The technology of modern vehicles has made it harder to replace keys, and this can be costly. You should always have a spare car key on hand or know your options in case your keys are stolen or lost.