Author: Mr Car Keys

  • Most Expensive Car Keys In The World

    Most Expensive Car Keys In The World

    In the past, you could get a duplicated key for a few bucks, but with technology, today, car keys can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars. That’s right, $200 to replace a Ford or Nissan car key may seem expensive to some people, but a fraction of the cost compared to those on this list.

    Some of the world’s most expensive key fobs and car keys are mentioned in this article. If you think $1,000 sounds crazy, wait until you learn about the car keys ranging between $10,000 and $20,000 ranges. Welcome to the expensive world of luxury vehicles.

    The finest details and latest technology come with a high price tag and expensive accessories such as the best computer chips and circuit boards. For example, you can get a custom Porsche key that mirrors your vehicle. A custom car key like this not only looks neat, it’s often a one of a kind, and with that comes a higher price tag.

    You may ask why, but men love their cars like women love diamonds and gold. That is why companies successfully release upgrades so frequently. Here are the most expensive car keys and key fobs around the world, and most require a computer chip to be professionally programmed to your car. Of course, the sky is the limit!

    BMW I8 Futuristic Car Key

    The futuristic BMW key fob will cost you $1,000 or more. There are many unique features of the i8 key fob, making it expensive and fun to play with too.

    New BWM 7-Series Key fob Features:

    1. Connects via Bluetooth to the BMW i8.
    2. Equipped with a 2.2″ LCD touchscreen.
    3. Connects to the car’s computer to transfer data, including car temperature, gas level, and various other information.
    4. Allows for remotely parking while outside the vehicle.

    Pagani Huyara Car Key

    The Pagani Huyara has a $1.1 million price tag, and the cost of the key fob is around $3,700.

    The key itself is designed to replicate the car’s shape and is made from the same metal. Yes, the key fob is a miniature Pagani model! It pulls apart, with one side being the car key and the other being a USB drive to the car’s audio system.

    Bentley Diamond Flip Key

    Many men dream of owning a Bentley, with a price of $200,000 and up. Some of the most expensive keys in the world were designed by Alexander Amosu, and that includes the 101 diamond-filled Bentley keys. This particular key was designed with detail to highlight the Bentley wing logo.

    The diamonds total 1.09 carats and the key costs just under $8,000!

    Bejeweled Ferrari Car Key

    The Ferrari is a luxury car with a quarter-million-dollar starting price. They are among the most popular and desired of the sports care category, but they are one of the few to still use a traditional key vs. electronic key fobs.

    Although simple in design, it is still well customized by a London jewel designer Camael. This particular key was custom fitted with 1160 tiny diamonds, with a total of 7 carats the price of the key is rather high. Although others use similar designs, it was first used on Ferrari.

    Traditional costs for Ferrari keys range between $200 and $400, but this design will run about $24,000.

    AMV OX2 Aston Martin DB9 Transponder Car Key

    Since its release in 2008, only 100 of these electronic watch style keys have been produced. Due to the rarity, the key has a $34,000 value, and there are reports of Aston Martin owners purchasing a spare key for up to $47,000.

    Not only is the design unique and flashy as a watch, but the features it provides are also interesting as it tells time and connects to the car. In fact, it can be seen in James Bond films.

    The watch tells time, opens the Aston Martin DB9 doors, and depending on where you press on the responsive surface of the watch, you can obtain various vehicle information and flare the headlights. Another benefit of the design is, wearing your key fob on your wrist, the chance of losing it is reduced, and you probably won’t forget it in the car.

    Koenigsegg Agera Car Key

    At $2.8 million, this is the most expensive supercar on the list. The key is shaped like the Swedish manufacturer’s logo. It is known as the most expensive car key in the world at this time, and while not a factory option, there is an Agera key boasting about 40 carats of diamonds.

    This brings the cost of this exclusive key fob to $250,000 because it’s one of a kind it even more desirable.

  • How Much Does a Locksmith Charge To Program a Key Fob?

    How Much Does a Locksmith Charge To Program a Key Fob?

    Nowadays, most vehicles come standard with a key fob or remote fob. There is also a remote fob attached to the key that locks and unlocks the vehicle and the trunk or back hatch from a distance with many car keys. Conveniently unlocking all doors of a vehicle with one key fob makes it so much faster. During rainy days, this is especially helpful. 

    The hassle of reprogramming your key fob, on the other hand, is not convenient. A professional will be needed if your key fob is lost, broken, or the battery dies. There is a cost to that. Choosing an automotive locksmith or going to the dealership of the car’s manufacturer is your choice. 

    What is the better choice: a dealer or a locksmith?

    Is it more convenient to go to a dealer or a locksmith based on one consideration: are you trying to save money? Skip the dealership and go to a locksmith instead if you want to pay less for key fob programming. Compared to a dealership, a locksmith offers lower prices.

    Save money by calling a locksmith for your vehicle

    There is no doubt that locksmith services are less expensive, but you may still wonder about the costs. What is the cost of programming a key fob by a locksmith? Depending on the model, the price can range between $50 and $200. Several factors determine the actual price, including: 

    Type of Key Fobs

    Keyless ignition and transponder keys may require more programming than simple key fobs. The car can only be started with a transponder key, which contains a computer chip. If your vehicle has a computer chip, you may not be able to reprogram a key fob from another vehicle. 

    Make and Model of Car

    The process of reprogramming a key fob can be complex with some manufacturers. Having that level of security is excellent, but replacing or reprogramming a key fob increases the cost of the system. 

    Typical locksmith service charges in your area.

    The survival of the locksmith business depends on staying competitive with one another. The average cost of key fob programming services can differ from state to state or city to city. Regardless of where you live, you will still save money using a locksmith instead of the local dealership. 

    Programming Your Key Fob When It’s Needed

    It is possible for key fob programming to be necessary for several different situations. Some of these situations include:

    A key fob has been lost.

    Having an old key fob reprogrammed to work with your current vehicle is one way to save money if you lose your key fob. In some cases, if your key fob and vehicle are complex enough, you can do this. In addition to ordering generic key fobs, you can also program them to work with most makes and models of vehicles. 

    The key fob is broken.

    Occasionally, your key fob may need to be reprogrammed if it becomes damaged or ceases to work. In addition, keys can be lost if they are submerged in water, or something else goes wrong. It is sometimes possible to repair and reprogram key fobs, but you may have to replace them if the damage is too extensive. 

    There is a dead battery in your key fob.

    You may not be able to replace the battery alone if the key fob battery dies completely. Once the car key battery is replaced, a completely dead battery will result in the key fob losing its memory, requiring it to be reprogrammed. 

    By Using a Locksmith, you can program your key fob at a lower cost

    If your key fob develops any problems, call an automotive locksmith instead of spending money on replacement parts. Many locksmiths specialize in automotive lock and key services for all makes and models of vehicles. They are less expensive than dealerships when it comes to reprogramming your key fobs. You can save money by hiring a Locksmith for your automotive key needs.

  • How to Get a Replacement Car Key Without The Original

    How to Get a Replacement Car Key Without The Original

    Nowadays, cars are a necessity of life. You need one to get about anywhere anymore. Whether you are running errands or just heading to or from work. You are likely relying on a vehicle of some sort to get around. Breaking a key, or losing one, is more impactful to your everyday life than you would think. It is a living nightmare. Without a spare, you can be left stranded, and your first instinct may be to panic. Well, don’t. You are still able to get a copy of your key made. Even if your original key is broken or lost.

    The Type of Key Needed To Be Replaced

    First off, the type of key you need to replace makes a difference. For starters, any key predating 1981 probably needs a simple key from a standard block cut. However, the newer-model cars will have different types of keys. These keys are known as transponder keys. It comes with the programmed chip as an added safety feature. When you are getting a replacement transponder key, it takes more than just a simple cut. You would need to properly program it to turn on your car. In order to do this, you will need to find a locksmith that can cut and program a replacement key for you.

    There is a new type of key that changes things a bit. The smart key. Though this key doesn’t always resemble a key, it is still required to start the matching vehicle. These keys look like fobs and don’t turn the ignition like traditional keys. These, like transponder keys, must be programmed.

    Replacement Keys Without Original

    You still have options if you lost or broke the original key. For starters, you can go directly to the dealer for a car key replacement. However, this is an expensive route to take. You may also need the vehicle present for the replacement key to be programmed. If that is the case, then you are going to likely have to pay for a tow truck.

    Your next option would be a locksmith. Of these two options, it is generally the cheaper way to go. In fact, a lot of dealerships will use locksmith services to cut and replace keys for them. A lot of locksmiths possess the ability to cut and program almost any key.

    Information Your Locksmith Will Need

    Any experienced locksmith possesses the ability to replace almost any key. However, they will require a bit of information in order to accurately duplicate your key. This information includes:

    • Year
    • Make
    • Model
    • VIN
    • (If Possible) Key Identification Number

    You may also need to provide the title as proof of ownership. You shouldn’t have a problem informing them of the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Once you have provided this information along with a title or your registration, you will need to read off the VIN to them. This is found on either the doorpost on the driver’s side or on a metal plate on the driver’s side of the dashboard.

    If possible, the key identification number is helpful information to provide. This number is also known as the key code. It is usually in the car’s manual. Though this information is useful to have, it isn’t required.

    In the event, your keys were stolen, or you suspect as much, make sure you inform the locksmith of this. They are able to reprogram the car so the old keys won’t work any longer.

    Will You Have to Worry About Tow Costs

    Some locksmiths, they are not mobile and require you to bring the vehicle to them. So if you were to go with one of these businesses in the industry, yes, you will have two costs. Now, there are some locksmiths that will come to the car and use the latest tech to create a duplicate key on the spot and program it accordingly.

    While losing or damaging your key can be a devastating event in your day. You do have options on saving money, time, and stress with a locksmith. They are usually about 50% cheaper than dealerships and can come straight to you in some situations. No matter the vehicle, key, or whether or not you have the original, getting a replacement key is possible. You should also consider having a duplicate on hand in case you do lose the original. Don’t wait till it’s too late; think ahead and make a spare.