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 car 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 motor 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 car. If not, the immobilizer keeps the motor 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 sidewinder 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 keys
Works like a flip key; it could be a basic or laser cut key. The shank retreats into the fob key 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 key fob remote inserted into the car dash or placed wherever which communicates with the 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 motor vehicle's computer recognizes the Keyless entry device, 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 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 vehicle 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 cater inexpensive, quick and professionally trained mobile vehicle keys replacement help in San Jose CA by recruiting workforce of highly consistent lock smiths. If you locked out of your vehicle with the key in, lost all the key to your auto motive or broken the key in your ignition key crater hole, our experts are covered for every sort of mobile lock out or keys replacement instance and arrive at your doorstep somewhere in San Jose CA and neighboring speedily to copy or spawn smartkey, transponder, fobik remote or high sec key for relatively each type of European, German, Asian or Japanes auto makers. No other lock smith company in the commerce can conduct you such an elite keys replacement and opening vehicle door services on the spot at such low price. The plan of action of CarsKeyReplacement.Com is that we'll never jeopardize on highest quality parts and labor seeking to streamline our expenses. We'll typically ensure that you will get the absolute best service, by a devoted and professional task force at depreciated price.
Coverage Area
- All the time you gaze for an immediate devoted displacement a keyless device, remote or ignition key for your vehicle in San Jose CA and near by area, Cars Key Replacement has to be your 1st choice. If you are stuck in East Foothills, Campbell, Alum Rock or Sunol-Midtown, you dont need to waffle or compare pricing among other vehicle replacement key solutions in the area. We ensure a rapid ETA and fair price. In close to all circumstances our staff will come to you hastily provided with most advance key replacement technology adequate to advice on every single kind of car key-lock circumstance you may encounter. If you misplaced your transponder chipped key, broken the key in ignition or got your remote keyfob stolen near Berryessa Siding, Hoover Creek, Evergreen Valley College, Sunrise Plaza Shopping Center or Santa Teresa Village Shopping Center gazing for an emergency on site key replacement service in Anderson East, Edge, Farnam, Albanese, Brenning, spare a minute and call us 24-7 at (855)830-9200.
Licensed Locksmith
- If you demolished or locked your key to an American, a Japanese or a German auto motive, conventional or electric key & lock infrastructure, all of our man-power withstand clean background check, finger print and clean drivers record and are armed with consents, insurance and shared bonds to modify car ignition lock, locks and key with no risk.
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