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 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 motor 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 though may charge around $12 for same service.
Fobs are electric 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 fobic key 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 motor vehicle. 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 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 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 fobic 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 fob key inserted into the vehicle 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 car. As the vehicle's computer recognizes the Keyless 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 dealer 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 administer instant, affordable and adept mobile car replacement keys advice in San Jose CA by employing team members of most honored locksmiths. If you can't find the key to the vehicle, broken the ignition key or locked your keys in the car, our experts are qualified for any sort of emergency key replacement or lock out episode and come out to you everywhere in San Jose CA and boroughs in no time at all to duplicate or spawn fobik key, high security, key-less entry or anti theft infrastructure/PATS key for roughly any sort of German, European, American or Japanes automakers. No other keysmith company in the commerce can feed you such a phenomenal unlock vehicle door and keys replacement services at your site at such low price. The design of CarsKeyReplacement.Com is that we will never jeopardize on highest quality labor and parts pursuing to streamline our costs. We will normally certify that you will gain the best service convenient, by a highly trained and committed work force at budget rate.
Coverage Area
- Every time you gaze for a quick responsible outplacement a proximity fob, remote or ignition key for your car in San Jose CA and bordering area, Cars Key Replacement should be your 1st pick. If you’re based in Fruitdale, Campbell, Cambrian Park or Sunol-Midtown, you don't need to hasitate or compare prices amid other car replacement key solutions in the area. We certify lowest possible cost and a quick ETA. In exceedingly all scenarios our work force will come down to your place of choice hurriedly fitted with most advance replacement key technology capable to sustain on each and every sort of motor vehicle lock and key event you may have. If you would like to program a key-less entry, would like to change your old key to a fresh flip key remote or got your keyfob remote stolen near San Jose-Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant, WestMed College, Las Animas Creek, Tower Hall or CET-Sobrato gazing for a roadside at your site keys replacement service in Clinic, Beverly, Cinco de Mayo, Dentwood, Almaden Community Association, take a minute and call 24hr at (888)390-6390.
Licensed Locksmith
- Keep your investment secured with the assistance of CarsKeyReplacement your primary paternity for amalgamated bonded, insured and licensed auto motive key, lock and ignition lock safety solution.
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