Car Keys Replacement Cost

Not long ago, misplacing your car keys was not a big deal. You could take your spare keys to an a key cutter and buy a new one for $10 or less.

Today, however, the process can be more complicated and expensive. Learn about the various types and costs for car keys.

Basic Key Fob

Key fobs are a remote and key in one. It's tiny, plastic device with a button you can press to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, lower windows and maybe even start the vehicle. The key fob has an electronic chip in it that communicates with your car's onboard systems for controlling functions such as the starter.

A basic key fob is generally made of standard plastic and employs a lock-and key mechanism, like the one you'd find on a vintage Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob could cost between $50 and $100, but the real price is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.

If your car was manufactured within the last five years, the chances that you'll have to go to the dealership for a replacement key for car fob, as many newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will usually be able to do this for less.

The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older cars use mechanical key fobs while the most recent models utilize transponder keys. Both of these types are able to have a range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car in a controlled manner to changing codes on a regular basis to prevent thieves from taking and stealing the key fob information of your car.

Key fobs purchased online may be less expensive than ones you can buy at the dealer, but they might not work on your car. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from working with third party devices. Some dealers will program a second-hand key fob if it's brought in, but it's highly unlikely that it will function.

You can find information about programming your key fob by looking up the website of the manufacturer or the owner's guide. Try to do this yourself before hiring a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also check your car's warranty and auto insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of a brand new key fob.

Transponder Key

The majority of newer cars have keys that are known as transponder keys. The keys have an embedded chip inside the key's head that transmits a signal to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and for starting the engine. This key is more secure than the conventional flat metal key due to the transponder chip blocks the car from starting without the proper signal. This technology was designed to stop car theft since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the proper equipment.

Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers that prevent the vehicle from starting if they are used with a key that is not transponder. Car thieves have come up with methods of stealing cars with transponder key systems.

A locksmith can help you to replace your transponder keys if it is damaged or lost. They will require details about your car like the VIN number and model. They can then either program your existing key to the car's system or cut new keys. This procedure is more expensive than cutting a key from a dealership and program a new key.

Some stores for automotive, such as AutoZone and Walmart are also capable of cutting and re-copying a transponder key, but they might not be capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. It is recommended to contact a reputable and experienced locksmith firm to be sure that a professional will be able to handle the task.

It was relatively easy to create duplicate keys for a car and then hot-wire a car prior to the advent of this modern technology. This technique was used to steal cars and it permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. The introduction of the transponder key has drastically reduced this crime however, it's not completely eliminated.

You can get a professional to do this for you if you need an extra transponder key or if you've lost yours. It will cost more than a standard one, but it's a much safer and more secure alternative to ensure that someone else cannot start your car.

Keyless Entry System

Car key fobs are becoming a standard feature in vehicles, as more and people are seeking convenience, security and security. They can open doors, activate the panic alarm, unlock the trunk, and even start the engine without having the physical key. They can be tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. It's costly to replace them, and you may have to program your new key to pair it with your vehicle.

A basic key fob costs about ten dollars to get cut at a hardware store, but the most recent smart keys can be expensive if you need to buy them and then have them programmed. Based on your car's model and make you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 and $500 to replace a fob plus the cost of having it cut and programmed to your car.

There are additionally more advanced car key systems that allow you to use your smartphone as an actual key. By using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car and you can also switch on and off, activate your parking brake, and do other things based on the proximity of your car. This is ideal for people who reside in urban areas, or have children and worry about your children being in the car without supervision.

Some of these systems can be expensive however they're also more secure than a regular car key because they can locate you and prevent you from accidentally locking your car or turning on the engine if you're too far away. Certain systems will help you locate your car in a garage and others can notify you when you open or close the doors.

These kinds of systems can also be beneficial to businesses, such as property managers that oversee office space or vacation rentals. These systems are able to monitor access rights for guests cleaners, guests, and maintenance staff, as well as making sure that only those with the right permissions can get into and out of the space.

Dealership

Some people may feel that they need to visit a dealership if their keys are lost. The dealer will ask for proof of ownership and purchase keys from the manufacturer. This could take several days. A dealer can usually do the job more quickly than a locksmith, and might even charge less.

The key fob could need to be programmed for your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by reading the owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors, as well as turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It could even require pressing a set of buttons that act as codes. It is usually performed by the driver but it is better to have a technician do it.

The cost is also dependent on the year, make and model of vehicle. Modern cars come with sophisticated transponder chips which will require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith or dealer, and the process can be more costly.

A dealer who sells specific brand of car is more likely know how to replace the keys for that vehicle. Some of the larger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge variety of models and are more acquainted with the keys that are used for the models they sell.

Certain brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have closed or are old enough that they no longer manufacture keys are included. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are a few of the older companies that no longer produce keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these types of keys need to be reprogrammed, which can be more difficult and expensive than replacing the key itself.

In general, if you have a spare key it is recommended to get it copied by a specialist instead of getting an alternative from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay for the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. If you do lose your keys, you can rest assured that the cloned key will function.