How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Key?
If you're looking to replace the car key there are a variety of aspects that impact the total cost. The cheapest keys to duplicate are standard keys that do not have any extra features.
Car FOBs cost more because they require a specific immobilizer chip that must be programmed into your vehicle. The make and model of your car also impact the overall price.
Basic Keys
If you lost your keys or was stuck in the lock, then you may need to have it replaced. It is costly to go through a dealership however it can be cheap if the locksmith is used instead. The price difference comes down to what kind of key you require as well as the services included.
The cheapest keys to replace are those that do not have any special features. They can be found in most hardware and home improvement stores as well as big-box stores. Blank keys are simple to make and cost between $1 and 4 for a new set. Keys with decorative designs cost more since they require painting and machining, as well as licensing for cartoon characters, sports team logos or other protected works.
Modern car keys contain chips that have to be programmed for the vehicle you're using. This makes them more expensive to duplicate than standard keys, which is why they usually cost much more when you go through the dealership. But you can save 20% or more by using an authorized locksmith in your area.
The issue is that not all home improvement and hardware stores can program these types of keys, so it requires a little bit more research to find a store that can. There are a few options, like Ace Hardware, which has a simple program that allows you to connect keys to a remote. It may not work with every vehicle, but it will work with many.
A key FOB is another alternative. The small device resembles a regular car key but comes with a built-in remote that can open your doors, start your engine, and control other functions. It is also harder to duplicate than a standard key, since it is equipped with an electronic transponder that the computer in your car recognizes when it is placed in. They are usually available at a local dealership or online. Some are more expensive and some come with subscriptions for automatic security features, such as push to start or an automatic lock.
Laser Cut Keys
Laser cut keys, also referred to as internal or sidewinder keys are a safer version of the car keys that offer greater security for car owners. These keys are designed so that thieves cannot duplicate them, and are therefore an effective deterrent to theft. Laser-cut keys are made from stronger materials than traditional keys, so they are less likely to break or become damaged over time. This can save you money on replacements in the future.
Another benefit of keys made with lasers is that they are more difficult to pick than regular car keys. The reason for this is that the tiny cuts align with the pins on the lock. A thief would need special equipment to duplicate keys like this, and most people do not have access to this type of equipment. A laser-cut key also has distinct patterns, which is specific to every car. This makes it extremely difficult for a thief to use a copied key to open a vehicle.
The majority of keys made with lasers have a transponder chip that adds even more security to the car key. The transponder is programmed to match the engine code in the vehicle, so only the correct key can function. If the chip isn't inside range when inserted into the ignition, the vehicle will not start. This adds an additional layer of protection from theft since it makes it impossible for a burglar to make a duplicate copy of your key that can work in the ignition of your vehicle.
Laser cut keys are a common choice for new cars, and they are often employed in luxury automobiles. They are more expensive than traditional keys, but they have a host of benefits that can be worth the cost. Laser-cut keys, for instance are more robust and durable than traditional keys. They are therefore less likely to break or become damaged over time. They are also much more difficult to find and thus a great deterrent against theft.
Switchblade Keys
It is likely that you have a keyfob which looks like a cell-phone in case you have a more modern vehicle. These are great because they keep your keys from jingling and you won't accidentally lock yourself out of your car. But, they're expensive to replace. When you lose your key fob, you'll need to go to an establishment or locksmith for a replacement and to get it programmed. A basic car key could cost as much as 200 dollars.
Another kind of car key that is becoming increasingly popular is a switchblade key, which folds down into fobs when not in use and pops out when you hit the fob's button. The key comes with either a basic shank or a laser-cut shank. The laser-cut version of this key is more expensive. Switchblade keys are a favorite among those who want to limit the amount of jingling that goes through their pockets.
A standard transponder keys has a key head with a plastic top that houses the transponder chip of the key. It also has a distinct appearance compared to other keys for cars, and can be difficult to recognize from a distance. The majority of locksmiths can create a copy of a transponder car keys, but the process could take longer.
As opposed to a standard transponder key, a remote head key (or a Fobik key) includes a microchip which allows the key to transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard system. The system then instructs the ignition to turn off. The keys are available at most auto locksmiths and also at some big box stores.
A key blade such as the BladeKey Bolt can be a ideal alternative for those looking to not carry a heavy chain or reduce the clutter in their pockets. It's made of raw or anodized aluminum and is inserted into the key's end. It comes with a chicago screw that functions as both a pivot and a lock, so it stays in place when you use keys. The BladeKey is fitted with an oval mortised that can be used to accept a zip tie head, which can be used as a secure key.
High Security Keys
Unlike basic keys, high security keys offer an additional layer of security. The keys are protected by a unique code that prevents anyone else than the owner from duplicated the keys. They are made to be difficult to break or pick. They may even have a shatterproof coating or a material that resists being broken by saws or other tools. These locks are often used in high-security offices and in buildings like banks or casinos.
They can be a great option for commercial customers who wish to lower the chance of theft as well as other security threats. They are a good choice for homeowners living in areas that have high rates of crime who want peace of mind knowing that their belongings will be safe.
These types of locks are typically more expensive than basic key locks, but they are more secure against forced entry. They are resistant to drilling, bumping, and picking. Many of them also feature a solid bolt that can't be removed or broken with the use of a wrench or sledgehammer.
The most well-known type of high security lock is the ABUS Vitess. This locking system is patented which means that it cannot be copied by anyone else other than the manufacturer. car key cutting and programming makes sure that only the owner who is authorized to use the key is able to access the property. This lock is especially beneficial for businesses and homes with multiple owners of the property.
Two kinds of high-security keys are offered both patented and restricted. Patented keys are the best option. They are backed by a patent that prevents them from being copied at the local hardware store, and can only be cut by locksmiths who have purchased the rights to do so. Restricted keys come in second. These keys are usually backed by a code that requires the locksmith to have a specific piece of identification before they can create a duplicate.
In addition to securing against forcible entry, these keys also help protect against identity theft and other frauds. They can ensure that only the owner is allowed access to the property and can help prevent the spread of contamination and germs. They can also be an ideal solution for commercial customers who require control over the movement of their inventory and other valuables.