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Cost of Car Key Replacement It can be a huge hassle to lose your car keys, and it can be costly to replace them. Depending on the kind of key you have, the costs will vary. The best way to find out how much it will cost to replace the car key is to ask the locksmith or dealer. Here is a list of some of the factors which can influence the cost. Transponder Keys Transponder keys, also called chip keys, are equipped with an electronic micro-chip built into the keyhead. The chip transmits a coded signal to the car's immobilizer when it is put into the ignition lock cylinder. This code is in line with an 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 reason for the development of this type of key was to make it harder for thieves to heat wire a vehicle. Transponder keys require a unique code to activate. These codes are difficult to duplicate with standard tools, and need to be duplicated only by an auto locksmith. As a result, the transponder key is more expensive than traditional bladed keys. However, this cost is often worth it in the long run when taking into account the security benefits that come with this kind of key. If you're thinking about purchasing a transponder key, first determine how important security is to you. Think about your budget and lifestyle before deciding if the additional cost is worth it. Car dealerships typically charge a fee for the replacement of car keys. This is due to the fact that they are the exclusive dealers of certain models of cars and have high overheads. There are a variety of professional locksmiths for cars that provide the same service at lower rates. If you're unsure if your car is equipped with a transponder chip, check with the local dealer or auto locksmith. They can tell you if your car has a transponder chip, and provide an estimate of the cost for an entirely new key. It is important to select an auto locksmith with a good reputation who has experience with your car type, whether you go for the transponder that is less expensive or the more expensive non-transponder keys. Laser-Cut Keys Certain cars with modern technology have a more advanced key design called a laser cut key or sidewinder key. key fob replacement are cut by a locksmith or dealership and include an embedded computer chip in them. They are more expensive, but they provide more security. This is why they're an investment that is more beneficial for those who are trying to prevent car 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 difficult to duplicate than standard notches on standard key blades. They are also more difficult to discern which makes them a great protection against thieves who might be. A locksmith or dealer can use a milling machine to create a laser-cut key. These machines use a bit that looks like an ax to slowly remove the key's metal. They can remove precisely the amount of metal required for a particular key, which gives them the highest level of precision. This makes it harder for a thief 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 similar vehicles like they would use regular keys. When a normal key is placed in the vehicle, it emits an indication that allows the vehicle to recognize it. The engine won't start when the key isn't recognized. However, laser-cut keys have a built-in transponder that is associated with a specific vehicle. This means that if a thief is able to cut and program a laser-cut key, the engine won't start. To cut a laser-cut keys technicians will need to have the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle to locate the proper specifications for the CNC machine. The process could take anywhere between 15 minutes to a few hours depending on the make and model of the vehicle that is being considered. Once the correct specifications have been entered, the laser-cut key can be programmed by the locksmith or dealer. Dealerships Getting your car key replacement through the dealership can be the most expensive option however, it is usually necessary. The good news is that many times, it will be covered by insurance or your warranty. You should check with your insurance company to see if key replacements are covered by the policy. It is also an excellent idea to get any stolen, lost or damaged keys deprogrammed at the dealership, since this will ensure that no one can use them again in the future. If you have an ordinary key fob, it may be the least expensive option to get it replaced at the dealership. If your key fob isn't replicable and comes with an embedded chip it could cost more to replace it at the dealership. The price of a key fob can differ widely based on the car's model and make. It is best to speak with local locksmiths, mechanics, or dealerships for a precise estimate. You can also save money by having your spare key cloned at the dealership. This is 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's essential to record your VIN whether you're having your car keys replaced at a dealership or locksmith. This will ensure that the key replacement is the correct fit and will be compatible 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 wasn't a big deal to lose the car keys. However, the technology of modern cars has made it much more difficult to replace keys, which could be extremely expensive. You should always have a spare car key at and ready in the event that your keys get lost or stolen.