It's not always straightforward or inexpensive to purchase an entirely new key. It doesn't matter if you go to an hardware store or locksmith, costs vary depending on the type and complexity of your key.
Basic luggage, house, and safe keys are usually cheap to duplicate. However, modern car keys include transponders or chips that require a professional to program.
Cheap Key Replacements
You can find a replacement car key at an affordable price at several different places. One place to go is your local hardware store. The majority of these stores are able to cut traditional keys and often have a tool that will also program the new key. These stores may charge a small fee for this service but are typically less expensive than dealers.
Another option is a national retailer such as AutoZone. They can replace all kinds of car keys including the more advanced ones that are used in modern cars. They can do this without having the original key, which is a an advantage over other locksmiths.
You should be aware that the key you purchase from AutoZone might not be exactly the same as the old one and is likely to be made of generic parts instead of the original components that came with your car. This can lead to problems when you use the new key on your vehicle.
Online services such as Keys Express can also provide a cheap alternative car key. They can cut and program the fob or key immediately. They have a nationwide network of certified technicians. They can usually do the work faster than a traditional locksmith and you will likely be able to locate a location close to you.
You can also buy an electronic key that is made for aftermarket on the internet. This kind of key might not be compatible with your vehicle and isn't made by the manufacturer, however it's cheaper than buying an original key from a dealer.
You can also contact your insurance company or AAA for assistance with roadside emergencies. These can often help you with a low-cost key replacement however, it will depend on the make and model of your car and if the key is equipped with a transponder chip or not. If your key has transponder, you'll have to visit the dealership to purchase a new one. It could cost you upwards of $200, and towing charges from the roadside to the dealership could be included in that price.
Laser-Cut Keys
Laser-cut keys are the perfect option to add security to your car. These keys can be obtained from a locksmith who is a professional and are much more difficult to duplicate than traditional keys. They are also less likely to be stuck in the ignition.
A key that is laser-cut is the next step from a basic transponder or chip key and requires more advanced machinery to create. The process of creating a laser-cut key involves using a machine that mills the key's metal to a precise, preset depth. This method is able to cut the upper and lower sides of the key, and after that a special "smart part" inside the key can be programmed. This allows the key to turn the locks and ignition, however the engine will need to be started using an ordinary key.
They are commonly used in high-end vehicles and offer a high level security for your vehicle. A laser-cut key cannot be made using a standard key blank that can be cut with any key cutting machine. Instead, it has to be professionally made in a locksmith shop or dealership. The laser-cut key is unique and cannot be copied.
Aside from their additional layer of security laser-cut keys are more durable than regular keys. They are more durable and thicker, and have a groove cut right in the middle instead of notches on the edges. They can be inserted from either side and work with the keys upside down. Laser-cut keys are compatible with any ignition cylinder or door lock. They work in any direction.
more helpful hints are also difficult to pick. These keys are made with lasers, which are more precise and has higher degree of tolerance than a regular one. This makes it difficult to duplicate them with a standard key cutting machine. A skilled locksmith can create a laser-cut key however the equipment required is more expensive than the tools required for standard keys.
Smart Keys
There is a chance that you have a smart-key if you have a brand new car. These take the technology of cars one step further than the standard remote key fob by combining a conventional key blade with an electronic chip. These chips are programmed so that they function with the built-in antennas of your car. This allows drivers to open the doors and start the engine without having to manually press a button on their key fob.
This is convenient for drivers but it also increases the risk of theft. Tech-savvy thieves could use this to gain access into the vehicle of a driver by sending low-frequency signals to the key fob that the car would pick up and respond to. This could happen at fueling stations, or even when a driver forgets to leave their key fob inside their car, according to How Stuff Works Electronics.
To prevent this from happening the smart key transmits an encrypted and unique signal each time it is activated. The vehicle's system will verify that the signal is genuine and that it belongs the correct owner before it unlocks the doors or starts the engine. If you do have a smart key that you lose it, obtaining a replacement will not be as easy as visiting an locksmith to have an alternative key cut. The key fob needs to be programmed by a professional, usually at the dealership.
The process isn't easy and requires specialized equipment. A professional will usually need to conduct a test drive and test the security system of the vehicle to make sure that the new key is compatible with the vehicle. They'll need the correct code for the car you have, which is usually explained in the manual or searching online.
A key replacement using transponder chips can cost more than a traditional key and locksmiths must make sure that the new key works with the vehicle's system prior to they start programming it. While it will still take more time than simply cutting a new one however, it's a safer method of replacing your keys.
Third Keys
Third Key is a professional service that helps create the time needed by homeowners who are busy by offering services that relieve the burden of home management. They offer a variety of services like cleaning, grocery shopping and light cooking. They also take care of household repairs and maintenance. They collaborate closely with homeowners to adapt their services to their requirements. They also have an experienced team of certified and insured professionals.
It can be a challenge to find work as a Third Key Holder, but you can make yourself stand out by ensuring that your resume is designed to reflect your work experience and skills. Here are some of most common skills and qualification listed in Third-Key Holder job postings as well as on the resumes of people who have held this job.
