Car Keys Replacement Cost

A few years ago, losing your keys to your car wasn't a big deal. You could take your spare keys to a key cutter and get a new one for $10 or less.

Today, however the process is more complicated and expensive. Find out about the various kinds and costs for car keys.

Basic Key Fob

A key fob is an electronic remote control and an actual key in one. It's tiny, plastic device with a button can be pushed to open doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, roll down windows, and possibly even start the car. The key fob comes with an electronic chip embedded that communicates with the car's onboard systems for controlling functions such as the starter.

Basic key fobs are constructed from plastic that is standard, and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. They're similar to the ones that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob can cost anything from $50 to $100, but the actual price is when you need to replace a lost or damaged one.

You'll likely need to visit the dealer if your car is older than five years old. A lot of newer vehicles require special equipment to code and programme new keys. Locksmiths or key shops can usually do this for less, however.

The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older cars have mechanical key fobs, while the latest models usually have transponder keys or smart keys. Both types of keys are able to have a range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks your vehicle instantly to changing codes on a regular basis to deter thieves from intercepting and stealing your car's key fob data.

You might be able to purchase an aftermarket key fob for less than what you'd pay at a dealership however, they may not be compatible with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop their key fobs from working with third-party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in, but there's a good chance that it won't function.

You can find out more about programming your key fob by searching the website of the manufacturer or your owner's guide. You should try to do this yourself before hiring a locksmith or going to the dealer. You may also want to check the warranty on your vehicle and the auto-insurance policy to see whether they cover the cost of a brand new key fob.

Transponder Key

The majority of newer cars have keys that are known as a transponder key. The keys contain a chip embedded into the head which transmits an electronic message to the vehicle once it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and starting the engine. This key is more secure than a traditional flat metal key because the transponder chip blocks cars from starting without the proper signal. This technology was developed to stop car theft since it is almost impossible to duplicate these keys without the proper equipment.

Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers which prevent them from being started when they are operated with keys that do not have a transponder. Car thieves have come up with ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems.

A locksmith can assist you replace your transponder key if it's damaged or stolen. They will need the details of your vehicle like the VIN number and model. They will then either program the key you have to the car's system, or cut a new one. This is a more expensive procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement keys.

Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can cut and copy transponder keys, but may not be capable of reprogramming the chip inside the key. If you want to ensure that a professional will be able to handle the job, seek out a reputable and experienced locksmith business.

It was fairly easy to create a duplicate key for a car and hot-wire a vehicle before the advent of this new technology. This method of stealing cars was very widespread and allowed criminals to enter and drive away with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have significantly reduced this crime, but not entirely eliminated it completely.

You can call an expert to do this for you in the event that you require 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 better option to ensure that anyone else is unable to start your car.

Keyless Entry System

As more and more people demand convenience, safety and security key fobs for cars have become a standard feature. These tiny devices can unlock doors, set off the alarm that sounds a panic or open the trunk and even start your engine without needing to carry a physical key in your hand. They can be thrown around and are more likely to get lost or stolen. They're also expensive to replace, and you might need fob programming to pair your new key with your vehicle.

A basic key fob costs ten or so dollars to cut at the hardware store, however the latest smart keys aren't cheap when you want to purchase the keys and have them programmed. Depending on your vehicle model and make you could expect to shell out between $200 to $500 for a replacement fob plus the cost of having it cut and programmed to your car.

Some advanced car key systems allow you to use your phone as a key. You can lock or unlock your vehicle by using an app on your smartphone. You can also turn off and on your lights, activate your parking break, and perform other things based on how close you are to your car. These are great for people who reside in urban areas or parents who are worried about your children leaving the car without supervision.

Certain of these systems may be expensive, but they are more secure than a regular car key. They monitor your location to stop you from accidentally locking or starting the car if you are too far from. They can also assist you to locate your car in garages that have parking spaces, and some can warn you if the doors are opened or closed.

These systems are also beneficial for businesses like property managers who manage office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems let them check access rights of guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those with permissions are allowed to enter and exit the premises.

Dealership

Some people believe they need to visit a dealer when their keys are missing. They will need to show proof of ownership, and occasionally the key has to be ordered from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. But a dealer can also usually get the job done for you faster than locksmiths, and may have cheaper prices, Car Keys Replacement too.

It is likely that the key fob will still need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by referring to the owner's manual. It involves opening and shutting doors, and switching off and on lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a number of buttons that act as an electronic code. This is usually handled by the drivers, however it is always best to let a technician take care of it.

The year, make and model of the mobile car key replacement near me will impact the price as well. Modern cars come with advanced transponder chips that need to be paired with the car key replacements by a locksmith or dealer and the process may be more costly.

A dealer that sells a specific model of car is more likely be able to replace the keys for the vehicle. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge variety of models and are more acquainted with the keys for those models.

Certain brands are difficult to work with. This includes a few of the older companies that have shut down, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are among the older companies that have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these kinds of keys need to be reprogrammed, which can be more difficult and expensive than replacing the key itself.

It is recommended that you have your spare key cloned by a professional instead of purchasing another one from the dealer. You will avoid paying more expensive rates for after-hours or weekend services. If you lose your keys, you can be assured that the cloned one will work.