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 car 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 vehicle 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 electrical transmitters that are associated with more modern cars. 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 fob remote 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 vehicle 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 security 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.
Flip remote keys
Works like a flip remote key; it could be a basic or laser cut key. The shank retreats into the keyfob 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 fob key inserted into the car dash or placed wherever which communicates with the car 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 car. As the vehicle computer module recognizes the Keyless entry, all it does is verify the code sent to it and then starts the vehicle.
The only way to have this replaced is by going to the dealership 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-ship 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 heel quick, highly trained and modest-cost emergency car replacement keys help in San Jose CA by employing worker force of highly trusted locksmiths. If you misplaced all your car key, locked the keys inside the vehicle or trunk or key has been broken in your ignition tumbler, our the laborers at Cars Key Replacement are fit for each type of roadside key replacement or lock-out scenario and come to you some place in San Jose CA and next door quickly to form or copy VATS/P.A.T, remote key fob, high sec or transponder key for almost every single sort of Asian, Japanes, German or American manufacturers of automobiles. No other keysmith company in the industry can fit you such the finest keys replacement and automotive door unlocking services on site at such economical rates. The planning of CarsKeyReplacement.Com is that we will never compromise on quality labor and parts attempting to streamline our costs. We will regularly guarantee that you will realize the prime service, by a skilled and committed laborer at easy on the pocket.
Coverage Area
- As an emergency key replacement service in San Jose CA our agents can arrive specifically to your juncture immediately to any area of Buena Vista, Seven Trees, Cambrian Park and Alum Rock, our vehicle key makers are dispersed from one end to the other of Alameda county to yield a first class key replacement services as swiftly as possible from the minute you detach your phone. If you cleave to find a car key reinstatement near Richmond Ranch, County Medical Center Heliport (CA33)Regional Medical Center San Jose H2 Heliport (88CA), Wahlquist Hall, CET-Sobrato or San Jose Municipal Golf Course in a search for an emergency at your site replacement key service usable 24/7 with a abbreviated reply. Join our long list of returning joyous customers in Hillview Glen, Almaden Meadows, East Northside, Clinic, Capitol, take a minute to call at our dispatching center.
Licensed Locksmith
- When looking an auto motive key replacement service in San Jose CA, it is very deciding to use only a bonded, insured or granted lock-smith establishment considering two head motives, the 1st is that driver believe it or not should use an experienced task-force who can unlock your vehicle door or trunk with no hardship done to the the electrical wiring, the power lock and door frames and the second is that to gather refunds by insurance policy with roadside assistance coverage . CarsKeyReplacement mid-road assistance lock smith for cars are on a prompt call and are adequate to arrive to your juncture as quickly as possible for every single kind of car ignition switch, key or locks dispute 24-7.
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