What Determines the Price of a New Car Key?

If it's the newest iPhone or car keys, technology that is new tends to cost more. What determines the cost of a brand new car key?

The first thing to think about is the type of key that you have. Older mechanical keys that don't come with transponders or chips are the cheapest to duplicate and replace.

Basic Key Fobs

When the first key fobs appeared on the market, they were easy enough to copy for a corner locksmith. Today, the latest models can do more than unlock the door. They can be used as a convenience device and Auto Keys R Us as a deterrent to theft. All that technology has an expense.

Older cars usually have a basic valet key that resemble keys that you can purchase from the hardware store. These are the least expensive to make, and you can usually have them cut by a local mechanic or a lost car keys replacement cost uk dealership.

Modern vehicles are equipped with fobs that have a security chip. They are more expensive and challenging to make, as they must be reprogrammed. The best option for replacing these is at a dealership that can take only a few hours, or less.

Consumer Reports found that some fobs are sold through aftermarket retailers or online Auto Keys R Us-parts stores, often for about $200 less than what you would pay at a dealer. Before you attempt to reprogramme the fob yourself, make sure to read your owner's manual. Some fobs require that the original key be inserted in the ignition in order to function, while others may need an extra kind of battery.

Transponder Keys

If you own a more modern vehicle, it's likely to have a transponder chip that communicates with the car when it is turned in the ignition. This makes it harder for people to start your car however, it is not impossible. This type of key is more costly and requires a specific machine to program the chip.

The cheapest method to obtain an entirely new car key is to get an old-fashioned mechanical all-metal key that doesn't have electronics inside it. This is usually less than $10, although rare keys for older cars can cost as much as $25.

The majority of locksmiths for cars have the equipment to make this kind of key for all automobiles, and is cheaper than the dealership. If your key is equipped with remote or proximity switch you might have to call a professional with the right equipment for your particular model. A reliable locksmith can inform you what's needed for your car. A reputable locksmith will be able to give you a quote before doing any work.

Laser Cut Keys

The one thing you do not want is to get locked out of your vehicle. It's a good idea have an extra car key. But if you lost car keys replacement cost uk your key and don't have spares, a trip to the dealer will cost to replace car keys you a significant amount of money to purchase a new key fob, as well as a programming service.

A locksmith who uses laser cut keys can provide you a cheaper alternative. They are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and require a precise cutting technique. These keys also come with transponder chips into them that need to be programmed into your car.

High-security laser keys are different from conventional keys, which can be copied with traditional key-cutting tools. They have a thinner base of steel and are cut using tiny milling equipment that resembles a small piece of drill. They are much more difficult to duplicate and are a great way to protect your car from theft. Some laser key machines can even cut nonautomotive residential and commercial keys using code and you don't need to pay for the rekeying process separately.

Switchblade Keys

A key with a switchblade for a car folds into a pendant like a knife. A button allows it to pop out when you need it. This style is popular with drivers who want to cut down on the bulk of their keys by putting them in their pockets. A switchblade key could cost up to $200, including the metal parts and fob.

Certain high-tech keys designed for automobiles are advertised as theft deterrents. These strangely shaped shafts known as Tibbe keys were invented by Jaguar in 1990 and Auto Keys R Us later were used on Ford products. They're cylindrical and not flat. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they're harder to duplicate.

These car keys use rolling security codes to communicate with the vehicle, and are more expensive to replace than other types. They are only able to be replaced at a dealer and can cost upwards of $400. Locksmiths can replace these expensive keys at a fraction of the price charged by dealers. This way, you'll be able to keep your switchblade keys and avoid the headache of attempting to get a replacement car key cost from an agent.

Smart Keys

You'll pay more for the replacement key if you have a car equipped with smart key technology. This kind of key comes with advanced features like being able to open the car remotely with an app for smartphones or opening windows and sunroofs when a driver presses and holds the button.

Key fobs can also have backup features depending on the manufacturer. For instance, if the battery in the key fob depletes while in use, many systems will still lock the doors or turn off the ignition according to Open Road Auto Group.

Locksmiths are the most suitable choice when it comes time to create an entirely new smart car key. They have the equipment and the technology to make keys on site. Dealerships can make keys for you, but they'll cost more and take longer as they will require your VIN number and proof of ownership. A locksmith will be able to easily collect this information. They will then be able to create an emergency key that can be used in the case of an emergency lockout or loss.