cost of a car key replacement For Cars
You can get an alternative key for a mechanical one at any hardware shop. This key will need to be programmed by a dealership or locksmith.
Smart keys are more complicated and require a visit to a car dealer to be paired with your car. They can be expensive however many car insurance companies will cover the cost.
Mechanical Keys
You can still purchase mechanical keys for your car such as the ones you put into an ignition lock for your vehicle to start. If your vehicle is equipped with one of these keys, it's inexpensive to replace the fob and key (if lost or stolen).
A locksmith can create an entry level key for you at a cheaper cost than what you'd pay at the dealership. You can also ask a neighbour or friend who knows how to program transponder keys aftermarket (which are less expensive than keys that are factory-made) to cut you a spare and then program it. A spare key is crucial since modern cars won't be able to start when a key is not programmed with the correct chip is used.
Transponder keys resemble mechanical keys, but have an electronic chip hidden in the base. This chip is connected to the computer system of your vehicle. Your car will accept the code on the chip, but will not start if you try to use another code.
If your spare key contains chips it must be programmed by a dealer. The dealership will require an equipment that is specifically designed for cutting and programming the key. These machines are only available at specific dealerships, and it's unlikely that a locksmith has the equipment required to create a laser-cut key with a transponder.
It is expensive to replace keys with remotes, particularly if you require an extra. If you have just the shank of your key missing and a working replacement fob, you can attempt to reprogramme your fob by yourself. However, it can be time-consuming and challenging. You're better off contacting an expert if you've lost both the fob and the key.
There are other types of keys for cars that require a more specific set of skills to replace, like flip keys and smart keys. These are more complex and usually have to be replaced at the dealership. Key fobs can be operated by a proximity sensor or a spring-loaded door opener.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 10 years or so it's likely to use transponder keys. The keys contain a microchip in the key itself as well as an internal receiver in your car which are both programmed to communicate with each other in order to start the car.
Transponder keys are a great way to stop theft because they require two components for the car to start that is the transmitter (transponder) inside the key and the receiver that is connected to your immobilizer system. Without both the key and the immobilizer system present the car will not start and is impossible to connect hotwire.
These key chips are programmed with a unique serial number that is unique to the vehicle you own. The serial number of the key is sent to the immobilizer in the car, and then checked to be in line. If it does then the engine will begin. This security feature is only defeated by a special device which can read the chip to match it with a different car.
You'll require a locksmith who has the tools to reprogram your key. Some car dealerships offer this service as well but they are typically more expensive than a private locksmith because of their costs.
It can be difficult to find an original key that comes with chip. The key must first be cut on a specific machine in order to have the proper tracks that can then be used to program the key to your car. This requires special software and the correct key cutter in order to be done correctly.
Some of the simpler chip keys can be cloned at most auto part stores, but you must be aware of the serial number of the original key to ensure that the proper information is being transferred to the new key. Many people make a mistake by going to their dealer for an exact copy of a chip key only to end up paying inflated costs.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys, also known as sidewinder keys due their distinctive winding cuts to the shank of the key provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Because it requires specialized equipment to duplicate these keys, they're a fantastic deterrent against auto-theft.
Like transponder keys, they have embedded chips that stop unauthorized key copies from getting into your vehicle. They have a unique number that needs to be programmed into your car to unlock it and start it. This extra layer of security will protect your investment and prevent thieves from trying to steal your vehicle for parts or to resell it.
In terms of their design Laser-cut keys are different from mechanical cut keys due to having less grooves carved out on the key. The key shaft is also more substantial, which is another indication that this isn't an ordinary car key. Generally, locksmiths employ a machine known as a milling tool to cut these kinds of keys. This kind of tool looks like a drill and is designed to remove metal at very precise, controlled angles.
These are some of the most secure keys you can get for your car, because they are extremely difficult to duplicate and can only be cut by the locksmith who is a certified dealer. They're not like traditional keys. They're made using a small piece of steel that's shaped into a code and then cut using the laser in the factory. This type of key is extremely durable and is able to be able to withstand the rigors of wear and tear, making it one of the best options for protecting your vehicle.
The key can be folded into the fob, or be released by pressing a button. These types of keys are used extensively in German cars and offer an additional layer of security against car thieves. The cylinder is also very robust and difficult to break into, making it extremely difficult for thieves to pick or pick-lock the vehicle.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys communicate with the vehicle by using radio-frequency identification (RFID) instead of the conventional single piece of carved metal. This means they come with tiny chips that contain an encrypted code that is unique to each key. When you open your car's doors or open the trunk, the key transmits a signal to your car's onboard computer. The computer will then signal the appropriate frequency to allow you to start your car.
The chip of the smart key has several security features to guard it from theft. The key emits an extremely low-frequency signal, which will only be detected by your car. If the computer onboard detects this signal, it will display another one that is an individual sequence that only your car can comprehend. This will stop a criminal with a high-tech background from using an external generator to "fool" the system and create the key function for other vehicles.
Certain smart keys come with special features, like storing driver preferences, opening windows remotely or the sunroof via remote, and many more. These can be done by activating the key's proximity sensor, pressing a button on the key itself or, in some cases, twisting a small metal part inside the key.
The majority of these key fobs come with an unlock button that opens the doors on their own, but some have an additional way to open them by a slot or placing the dead key in the dashboard, where it houses an inductive coil which can transfer energy. Some even have an emergency (fully mechanical) key blade concealed in the key to allow this.
Replacing a smart key typically requires a visit the dealership, who will either have the replacement on hand or purchase it for you. They'll also have to program the new key to recognize your vehicle. You can also visit a locksmith for your replacement key fob to be programmed and then replaced. A locksmith may charge more than a dealer, but they'll be able to complete the job quicker and for less.