What Determines the Price of a New Car Key?

New technology is generally more expensive whether it's an iPhone or car keys. But what is the price of a brand new car key?

The first thing you need to consider is the type of key you have. Older mechanical keys that don't have transponders, chips or transponders are the cheapest keys to duplicate and replace.

Basic Key Fobs

When key fobs first introduced, they were easy to duplicate by a locksmith in the area. Modern models are capable of more than just unlocking the door. They double as convenience devices and can also act as a theft deterrent. But all that technology comes at a price.

Older cars typically have basic valet keys which look similar to the key you get at the hardware store. These are the cheapest to create and can be cut by a local mechanic or dealer of cars.

Newer vehicles are using fobs that have a security chip. These are more costly and difficult to design, since they require reprogramming. The best alternative for replacing these is to go to a dealership which typically takes just a few hours or less.

Consumer Reports found that some fobs are sold through online auto-parts retailers or aftermarket stores, typically for $200 less than what you'd pay at a dealer. Before you attempt to reprogram the fob on your own, be sure you read the owner's guide. Certain fobs require the original key be in the ignition for it to work and others might require a specific type of battery.

Transponder Keys

If you own a vehicle that is more recent than it is, Cost to replace car key it could have a transponder inside. The chip communicates with the vehicle whenever the ignition is switched on. This makes it harder for another person to start your car, but it's not impossible. This kind of key requires a particular machine to program the chip, and it is also much more expensive than the non-transponder alternatives.

The cheapest way to get an entirely new key for your car is to get an old-fashioned mechanical all-metal key which doesn't include any electronic parts in it. It's typically less than $10. However, some keys for older cars can cost up to $25.

This type of key is produced by most car locksmiths and is much less expensive than visiting a dealership. If your key is equipped with the proximity switch or remote on it, you may require a professional with specialized equipment to make the key for your specific model. A professional locksmith will tell you exactly what is needed for your specific vehicle. A reputable locksmith will be able to give you a quote prior doing any work.

Laser Cut Keys

The most important thing you don't want is to get locked out of your car. This is why having a spare key is an excellent idea. But if you lost car key replacement cost yours and don't have any spares and you need to go to the dealer could cost you a significant amount of money to purchase a new key fob as well as a programming service.

A locksmith who makes use of laser cut keys will be capable of offering you a cheaper alternative. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and require a precise cutting technique. They also have integrated transponder chips that require to be programmed for your specific vehicle.

High-security laser keys differ from standard keys, which can be copied with the standard equipment for cutting keys. They are made of a slimmer base of steel and are cut with the milling tool that looks like a tiny piece of drill. They are a lot harder to duplicate and are a great option to shield your vehicle from thieves. Certain laser key machines are able to cut residential or commercial keys that aren't automotive by code. This means that you don't need to pay extra for an rekeying service.

Switchblade Keys

A key with a switchblade for a car folds into a pendant like a knife. A button allows it to come out whenever you need it. This style is popular for drivers who would like their keys to fit easily into pockets and reduce the bulk. It can cost to replace car keys cost car key (ecg-web.com) around $200 or more to replace a switchblade, including the fob and the metal part.

Some high-tech automotive keys are advertised as anti-theft devices. These oddly shaped shafts, dubbed Tibbe Keys were invented by Jaguar in the year 1990, and later were used on Ford products. They're cylindrical, not flat. They are more secure than flat keys since they are difficult to duplicate.

These keys for cars use rolling security codes to connect with the vehicle, and are more expensive to replace than other kinds. These keys can only be replaced by a dealer and may cost of replacing car keys up to $400. However, there's an alternative for replacing these expensive keys: locksmiths can replace them at a lower cost than the dealer's charge. This means you can keep your switchblade keys and avoid the hassle of trying to get an alternative from a dealer.

Smart Keys Keys

It is more expensive to purchase an alternative key if have a car equipped with smart key technology. This type of key has advanced features, for instance, being able to unlock the vehicle remotely via an app on your smartphone or opening windows and sunroofs whenever the driver presses and holds down a button.

Depending on the manufacturer these key fobs can also be equipped with backup functions. Open Road Auto Group says that if the key fob battery runs out while it is being used, certain systems will shut doors or turn off the ignition.

When it comes to creating an original key for a car that is smart, locksmiths are the best choice because they have the technology and equipment needed to make keys on the spot. Dealerships are able to make a brand new key but they will charge more and take longer to do since they require your VIN and proof of ownership before they can do it. This information can be provided to locksmiths. They can then design an additional backup to work in the event of a lockout, or loss.