People have many questions about car key replacement. Should you consider the dealership price? Do locksmith services include key replacement services? Many factors determine the cost of replacing car keys. For affordable prices, you need to understand the situation and the make of your keys. Are you in an emergency? For locksmith emergencies, the average arrival time of an expert trumps the cost consideration. Before you call the auto locksmith team, you may consider the following: 1. Which company is the nearest locksmith service provider with good reviews? Calling the nearest locksmith saves time and cost.
2. What is the model and manufacturing year of the car? The quickest and easiest way to cut a replacement key is by using the VIN or the key codes. All these codes are now collated in databases, which are available for a nominal fee. Sometimes, these keycodes are available in the user manual. If you provide the key codes to your locksmith, you can get car keys replaced at a meager cost.
3. Discuss the payment methods beforehand. Most professional locksmiths at Cicero, IL, will accept debit cards and credit cards. Here are some other factors that determine the cost of replacing car keys in Cicero.
‘How can I know if my car key has transponder chips in it? Does the cost of replacement differ for transponder and non-transponder keys?’ Both transponder and non-transponder keys have a unique cut or sequence to fit into the ignition. Any reputed locksmith in Cicero can duplicate the sequence, especially with key blanks. But transponder keys have a code that starts the engine. Transponder keys need to be programmed with a specialized machine. So you will need to call an automotive locksmith to replace transponder keys. As of 2021, the cost of replacing transponder keys in Cicero ranges from 180$ to 280$. The price includes service charges, cutting, and programming. Most modern cards use transponder keys. Old car models that use a non-transponder key challenge locksmith if the model is no longer in the market. For old non-chip keys, the locksmith will not be able to use existing codes. It is almost impossible to cut replacement keys without the codes. Sometimes a locksmith may use the impression of old keys to make a replacement set. You may also find the codes written on the ignition. But if the locksmith has to change the ignition, then the cost of replacement can be between 200$ to 250$. You can save 5% to 10% of the cost by providing the key codes. Most new car models will have fob keys. So what is the cost of replacing fob keys? One can say that fob keys are an advanced version of the transponders. These types of keys come with smart locks and offer a variety of security features. The increased security features make fob keys more expensive. The coding required for these push-to-start keys puts the cost of replacement to 250$ to 450$. You will need an automotive locksmith for replacing fob keys. Is it easier to replace keys of high-end new car models? High-end cars come with extra security features. So the keys are more complicated. Remote keys of high-end cars require specialized tools for cutting and programming. So the cost ranges from 400$ to 900$. In the case of transponder keys, the cost depends on the model and make. The maximum cost is 400$ for most models. Some car keys have a keyless entry option. A reputed company will offer aftermarket keys that will be at least 10% cheaper than the original. They can also help you with keyless entry. Call us now at (773) 521 7000 or stop by our Chicago car key locksmith shop for assistance with your keyless car entry.