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How Much Does Car Key replacement car key cost Cost?

There's nothing more frustrating than losing your car keys. It is costly and stressful dependent on the type of key you have.

You'll need to pay the dealer for a new key, remote, or FOB. However, you can save money by using an auto locksmith.

Mechanical Keys

For just $10, you could replace an older mechanical key. These keys allow you to open the trunk and windows, but will not allow you to start the engine.

Standard vehicle keys have chips inside the head that communicates with the vehicle to verify that it's a valid key. They're more expensive than mechanical keys, and they're more difficult to duplicate and replace.

Transponder keys equipped with laser cutting have increased security. Instead of sawtooth cuts, they utilize a laser to etch them. This makes it much more difficult for anyone to duplicate your car keys, however it's not a 100% secure measure.

The buttons on programmable remote keys fobs allow you to lock and unlock the vehicle, set off the alarm, and open the trunk. They're the next tier up in cost and are only available through dealerships or auto locksmiths. Some manufacturers let you program your own keys, make sure to check the owner's manual to see if you are able to.

Transponder Keys

Many cars that were manufactured in the 90s or later have transponder chips inside their key fob. The car's computer recognizes the chip and recognizes that it is an authentic key that can be used to start it. This adds an extra layer of protection to make it difficult for thieves to steal a vehicle.

Any locksmith can create an alternative chip-key, but it is best to choose a reputable locksmith for automotive services because they have the tools to program the keys for your car. Another option is getting it done at your car dealership, but this is more expensive than going to a locksmith.

Some of the other ways to replace a key include roadside assistance and insurance companies however, they may not have the tools needed to complete this correctly. It is cheapest to get it done by an auto-locksmith local to you. You can also search for them online and read reviews to determine whether they're reputable.

Laser-Cut Keys

If you're driving an older car, chances are your keys look different than the older keys. The majority of modern cars have high-security keys called laser cut keys, also referred to as side winder keys. These are harder to duplicate and include transponder chips that stop your car from starting until the correct key is available.

Laser-cut keys differ from the standard car key cost key due to their more robust shank and lack of traditional grooves. These keys require special machines that are more expensive to purchase and operate, so they're not sold in every hardware or locksmith retail store. They also require to be programmed by a locksmith, or the dealership.

It's not fun to lose your keys. While having an extra key is in theory an excellent idea however, it might not be practical. There are, however, emergency locksmith services that can help out in such a situation. But how much does it cost to replace a key cut by laser? What are the other variables impacting this cost to replace car key? Below, we'll break down the cost for Cheapest you.

Switchblade Keys

The cost of an replacement key will vary on the type of key you have. Some keys have a transponder that sends an electronic signal to the car to confirm that it's a legitimate key. If that signal is interrupted or when the key fob stops functioning, it could be a factor in the total cost since you won't be able to remotely lock your car, use the alarm, or start the engine.

Switchblade keys, also referred to as "flip keys," are similar to keys for cars, but fold into the key fob after not in use. Their compact design has made them extremely sought-after. It's also costly to replace them, as you'll need a new key and a new fob. There are services that offer to convert other types of car keys into flip keys, but you'll have to purchase a new key fob and an entirely new key. Some older vehicles have VATS keys, which look like regular mechanical keys, however they have a resistor in the blade that can be read by a scanner to start the car.

Smart Keys

Those that don't want to have to deal with a key, or a FOB at all can choose a smart key. These are keys that use computers to communicate with your vehicle through the transmitter. They can open your car's doors and also start it. These keys are the most expensive to replace due to the fact that they are equipped with special chips and require programming by a professional locksmith or dealer.

The cost of replacing the car key is mostly determined by the year, make, and model of your vehicle. In the late 1990s, key manufacturers began to add transponder chips onto their key blanks. This prevents ignition from starting when a non-original key is inserted.

The cost replacement car key of replacing keys cut by laser is more expensive. Additionally, certain kinds of fobs, such as switchblade keys or proximity FOBs -- are only available at dealerships because they have specialized technology in them. Genesky said that many newer European automobiles are equipped with this technology, but he often turns away customers who use these because they are costly to program for him.