What Determines the Price of a New Car Key?

New technology is usually more expensive no matter if it's an iPhone or car keys. What is the factor that determines the cost of an entirely new key for a car?

It all begins with the kind of key you have. Keys that are older mechanical and don't have transponders, chips or transponders are the most affordable to duplicate and replace.

Basic Key Fobs

When key fobs first appeared on the market, they were simple enough to duplicate at the corner locksmith. However, modern models can do more than just unlock the door. They can also be used as a tool for convenience and also to deter theft. But all that technology comes with a price.

Older cars typically use a basic valet keys that look like keys you can purchase at the hardware store. They are the least expensive to make and you can typically have them cut by your local mechanic or a car dealership.

Modern vehicles use fobs with security chips. These are more difficult to make due to the fact that they have to be reprogrammed. This costs more. The best option for replacing the problem is to buy them from a dealership and can typically take only a few hours, or less.

Consumer Reports found some fobs sold at aftermarket stores and online auto-parts shops, generally for less than what you would buy from a dealership. Before you attempt to reprogramme the fob yourself, be sure you check your owner's manual. Certain fobs require that the original key be inserted in the ignition to work some may require a special kind of battery.

Transponder Keys

If you own a car that is older that you own, it may have a transponder inside the vehicle. The chip communicates with the vehicle when the ignition is turned on. This makes it more difficult for an individual to start the vehicle however it isn't impossible. This type of key requires a special machine to program the chip and is more expensive than the non-transponder versions.

The cheapest key to replace for your automobile is a mechanical key made from metal which does not have electronic components. It's usually less than $10, although rare keys for older cars can cost of replacing car keys up to $25.

This type of key can be made by most car locksmiths and is less expensive than going to a dealer. If your key is fitted with a proximity or remote switch you might have to call a professional who has the right equipment for your specific model. A professional locksmith will tell you exactly what is required for your specific vehicle. A professional locksmith can provide you a price prior to undertaking any work.

Laser Cut Keys Keys

The most important thing you don't want is to be locked out of your vehicle. This is why having a spare key is a good idea. If you lose yours and you don't have spares, you'll be charged a significant amount for a new fob as well as programming services.

A locksmith who makes use of laser cut keys is able to offer you a cheaper alternative. These keys are more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys and require a precise cutting method. They also come with transponder chips in and cost must be programmed to the car key programming cost.

Contrary to traditional keys that can be copied using conventional key-cutting equipment High-security laser keys have an aluminum base that is smaller and are cut with the use of a milling machine that looks like tiny drill bits. This means that they're much more difficult to replicate and are an excellent option to keep your car safe from thieves. Certain laser key machines even cut non-automotive residential or commercial keys using code, cost so you won't have to pay for the rekeying process separately.

Switchblade Keys

A key that can be used as a switchblade in car doors folds into a key fob, much like a knife. It is able to be pulled out by pressing the button. This type of design is popular among people who want to minimize the bulk of their keys by fitting them inside their pockets. It can cost of car key replacement more than $200 to replace a switchblade, including the fob and metal part.

Certain high-tech keys for cars are advertised as deterrents to theft. Created by Jaguar in the year 1990 and later incorporated into Ford products, these bizarrely designed shafts -- known as Tibbe keys cylindrical, not flat. They are more difficult to duplicate than flat keys, making them more secure.

The car keys are equipped with rolling security codes to communicate with the vehicle, and are more expensive to replace than the other types. They are only replaceable by a car dealer and can cost to replace car keys up to $400. Locksmiths can replace these costly keys for a fraction of price that dealers charge. This means you can keep your keys for your switchblade and avoid the hassle of trying to get an alternative from dealers.

Smart Keys

If you own a newer vehicle that has smart key technology and you pay more to have a new key made than if the vehicle was older. This type of key is equipped with advanced features, such as the ability to unlock the vehicle remotely using apps on smartphones or to open the sunroof and windows by pressing and pressing a button.

Depending on the manufacturer, these key fobs can also be equipped with backup functions. Open Road Auto Group says that if the key fob battery is depleted while in use, certain systems will lock doors or turn on the ignition.

Locksmiths are the best choice for creating an entirely new smart car key. They have the tools and technology to create an original key on-site. Dealerships can make keys for you, but they will cost more and take longer because they require your VIN number and proof of ownership. This information can be provided to a locksmith. They can then design an emergency backup plan that can be used in the case of lockout or loss.