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Cost of Car Key Replacement The loss of your car keys is an enormous hassle and can be costly to replace. Depending on the kind of key you have, the costs can vary. Asking a locksmith or dealer for an estimate is the best method to determine how much it will be to replace keys. Below is a list of a few of the elements that could affect the price. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, sometimes called chip keys, are equipped with an electronic micro-chip built into the keyhead. When the chip is placed in the ignition lock cylinder and it sends a coded message to immobilizer of the vehicle. This code matches a special ID number that is attached to the vehicle. This makes it very difficult to steal a car because it cannot be started without the code. The motivation behind the creation of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to wire the vehicle. Transponder keys require an unique code to activate. They are extremely difficult to duplicate using standard tools, and need to be cloned only by an auto locksmith. In the end, the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this extra cost can be worth it in the end when taking into account the security benefits of this kind of key. Consider how important security is for you before you decide to get transponders. Take into consideration your budget and lifestyle to decide whether the additional cost is worth it for you. Dealerships charge a fee to replace car keys. It is because they are the sole dealers for certain models of cars and have large expenses. Fortunately, there are many other car locksmiths that are professional and provide the same high-quality service for less money. If you're unsure if your car has chip, ask your local auto locksmith or dealer. They will be able to tell you whether your vehicle has a transponder chip, and provide you with an estimate of the cost to purchase a new key. Whether automotive car key replacement opt for the cheaper non-transponder key or the more expensive transponder key, it's important to find a reliable auto locksmith that has worked with your model of car. Laser-Cut Keys Certain cars with modern technology have a more advanced key design that is known as laser cut keys or sidewinder key. These keys require a locksmith or car dealership to cut them and 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 considered a better investment for those looking to avoid car theft. Contrary to conventional two-sided keys laser-cut keys are cut in the middle of the key only. These cuts are more precise and are a lot harder to duplicate than the standard notches that are found on standard key blades. They are also harder 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 an ax to slowly remove the key's metal. They can remove the exact amount of metal needed to make the key in question, which gives them the highest level of precision that makes it more difficult for a criminal to make their own copy. Laser-cut keys are more secure than traditional keys because they can't be used to open other vehicles with the same key lock. When a normal key is put into a car, it transmits a signal that allows the vehicle to recognize it. This is the reason why the engine will refuse to start if it detects an unrecognized key. However, laser-cut keys have a built-in transponder that is associated with a specific vehicle. This means that if someone can program and cut a laser-cutted key, the engine will not start. A technician will need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), of the vehicle, in order to retrieve the CNC machine's specifications to cut a laser-cutkey. The process could take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the model and make 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 however, it is the most often needed option to replace your keys to your car. It is often covered by your insurance or warranty. Contact your insurance company to confirm that replacement for keys is included in the policy. It's also recommended to get any stolen, lost or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, as this will ensure that no one else will be able to use them in the future. If you have an ordinary key fob, it may be the least expensive alternative to replace it at the dealership. If your key fob is not capable of cloning and has an embedded chip it might cost more to replace it at the dealership. The cost of a keyfob can vary widely based on your car's model and make. It is recommended to contact local locksmiths, mechanics or dealerships for a precise estimate. Another option to save money is to take your spare key to the dealer and having it cloned there. It's cheaper to have it cloned by the dealership than by locksmith. However, you will need to ensure that the spare key is compatible with your vehicle. Whether you're replacing your car key at the dealership or through locksmiths, it's essential to take the time to record your vehicle's identification number (VIN). This will help 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, it was not a big deal to lose the car keys. However, the advanced technology of modern vehicles 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 and ready in the event that your keys are stolen or lost.