Car Key Replacement Cost
Prior to the 1990s, easy accessibility to cars (all a thief needs to do is to cut a duplicate key) outcome in high rate of motor vehicle theft and the lose of billions of dollars for insurance companies and car owners, which lead into the development of modernized
transponder key lock systems.
Modern car keys are things of beauty and convenience. Knowing that you are the only one with a key to your vehicle, gives a sense of security and the programmble chipped key and a computer in the car enable automatic operations like unlocking/locking the doors and trunk, power windows, alarm and more, however this advancement of technology means that making keys to your vehicle is not as easy as before as vehicle keys of the 21 century are fashioned following rigid safety rules, and special cutters and programmers.
While it’s good knowing your car can’t be stolen without giving a fight, it also brings its own quirks – maintenance and higher costs of getting replacements. With our keys’ penchant for getting lost in and around the house, and in coats and suits pockets, one could easily get bothered by the high cost of getting replacement keys.
We have outlined the costs of getting replacement keys and other cheaper alternatives:
Basic Keys and Fobs
The most common kinds of keys even till the mid 1990s, these kinds of keys do not need new equipment for them to be cut by the Locksmith. It doesn’t have any security feature except its unique cut, and the “shank” which is the metal part of the key is cut like a house key, meaning the same machines used in cutting house keys can be used in cutting them. With $3 in hand, a locksmith will get one cut for you. Dealer-ship though may charge around $12 for same service.
Fobs are electronic transmitters that are associated with more modern vehicles. Replacement cost is between $50 and $90 and some will program them for free while other will charge a small fee to do so. You can also purchase remote keyfob online or from locksmiths; they tend to be cheaper than if made from scratch.
Transponder Keys
Contain chips that send signals to the engine with a code the engine understands and starts the vehicle. If not, the immobilizer keeps the car from starting. The only difference between the basic and transponder keys is the chip in the transponder. Programming transponder keys is generally more expensive than basic keys.
Laser-Cut Keys
Also call high sec key, have a slightly thicker shanks than the basic keys. They also come with chips and have much fewer craved out grooves than the basic keys. Replacements are more expensive and are most times done at the dealer-ship for between $150-$250.
Switch blade key remotes
Works like a switch blade key remote; it could be a basic or laser cut key. The shank retreats into the fobik remote and can be pulled out with the press of a button. Its major advantage is that you can purchase components separately with shank at $60-$80, and the total package including programming between $200-$300.
Smart Keys
They really aren’t keys but fobik key inserted into the vehicle dash or placed wherever which communicates with the motor vehicle to start by the push of a button. Its main security defense is the ability to roll out different codes meaning thieves can’t use code-grabbers to steal your motor vehicle. As the automobile computer system recognizes the Proximity fob, all it does is verify the code sent to it and then starts the car.
The only way to have this replaced is by going to the dealer-ship and you could be looking at spending between $220 and $400.
Finally, it is better to have spare keys made even when they’re not needed as this will save you from having to go get your car locks changes at the dealer at prices hovering around a $1000.
Price Table
Service call 15-25$
Unlock car door - starts at 30$
Opening locked trunk - starts at 40$
Unlocking high security vehicles - starts at 50$
About Us
- CarsKeyReplacement.Com favor know how, same day and reasonable emergency car keys replacement bolster in San Jose CA by recruiting personnel of most honorable locksmiths. If you broken the key in ignition key crack, misplaced all the keys to your auto motive or locked your keys in your car or trunk, our professionals are primed for every single style of emergency replacement key or lock out situation and come in to your place of choice wherever in San Jose CA and touching hurriedly to copy or spawn side winder, VATS/passive theft system, remote switch blade key or keyless entry key for roughly every single style of German, Japanes, Asian or American automakers. No other key smith solution company in the market can procure you such a top notch replacement keys and auto motive door unlocked services on site at such economical rates. The design of CarsKeyReplacement.Com is that we'll never give-and-take on quality parts and labor pursuing to simplify our expenses. We'll always assure that you’ll seize the best service possible, by a cracker-jack and zealous workforce at minimum cost.
Coverage Area
- At any time you inspect for an immediate responsible re-establishment remote, a proximity key or ignition key for your vehicle in San Jose CA and alongside area, Cars Key Replacement must be your 1st vote. Whether you’re based in Seven Trees, Fruitdale, Sunol-Midtown or Cambrian Park, you don't need to think twice or do cost comparison among other vehicle keys replacement services in the area. We assure fair price and a swift ETA. In most occasions our laborer will drive to your site expeditiously supplied with latest replacement key technology adept to sustain on every sort of car keys & locks manifestation you might have. If you would like to replace a lost transponder chipped key, wish to get your door lock rekeyed, wish to pop open your auto door or want to copy a flipkey near Fowler Creek, Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), Washington Square Hall, Santa Teresa Village Shopping Center or Zanker Road Landfill in a search for an emergency on site key replacement solution in Buena Park, Canoas Garden, Calero, Coldwater, Forest, call us 24 hr at (855)830-9200.
Licensed Locksmith
- we dont advise trying to save a few dollars compromising your safety using an unqualified or an unauthorized service. Our staff hiring routine involved with affirming clean drivers records, clean record check and fingers printing to specify a totally insured, permissioned and joint bonded solutions.
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