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Car Keys Replacement Cost

A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could bring your spare key to a key cutter and get the replacement key for less than $10.

However the process has gotten more complex and expensive. Find out more about the various kinds of keys for cars and what they will cost you to replace.

Basic Key Fob

A key fob can be described as a remote and key in one. It's a small plastic device that has a button or buttons that you press to unlock the doors and open the trunk or hatchback, lower the windows and maybe even start the car. The key fob also comes with a built-in electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard system to manage functions like the starter.

Basic key fobs are usually constructed from plastic that is standard, and use a regular lock and key mechanism. They're the same as those found on old Pontiacs or Saturns. A basic key fob may cost anything from $50 to $100, but the actual cost is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.

If your car was made in the past five years, chances are that you'll need to visit the dealership for a replacement fob since many modern cars keys replacement require special equipment to program and code new keys. A locksmith or key shop typically can do this for less though.

The type of fob you're using will also affect the price. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, while most recent models utilize transponder keys. Both types of keys are able to have a range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle in a controlled manner to rolling codes that change regularly to prevent thieves from taking and stealing the data from your key fob.

Online key fobs may be less expensive than the ones you can purchase from a dealer, but they may not be compatible with your car. Certain manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips inside their key fobs, which prevent them from working with devices that are not third-party. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob, if it's brought in, but it's likely that it won't work.

Go through your owner's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for information on programming your specific model's key fob. It's worth trying this yourself before heading to the dealership or hiring an expert locksmith. You could also check the warranty of your vehicle, the roadside assistance policy, and auto-insurance coverage to see if these cover the costs of a replacement fob for your key.

Transponder Key

The majority of newer cars have a type of key called a transponder key. The keys contain embedded chips in the head that transmits an information to the vehicle once it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and for starting the engine. This type of key is more secure than traditional flat metal keys due to a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it fails to receive an appropriate signal from the key. This technology was developed to stop car theft since it is almost impossible to duplicate these keys without the proper equipment.

Additionally, many cars also come with immobilizer systems that stop them from starting if a non-transponder key is used. Car thieves have developed methods to steal vehicles with transponder key systems.

A locksmith is usually able to help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They will need to have the details of your particular vehicle, such as the VIN number, model and year. Then, they'll cut a new key or program the one they have to the car's system. This is a little more expensive than having a car dealership cut and program a replacement key.

Some stores for automotive, such as AutoZone and Walmart, are also able to cut and copy the transponder key, however they might not be able to reprogram the chip in the key. If you want to be sure that a professional will be able to handle the task, you should contact an experienced and trusted locksmith service.

Before the invention of this technology it was quite easy to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a car. This method of stealing vehicles was widespread and allowed criminals to enter and drive off with stolen vehicles. The introduction of the transponder key has greatly reduced this activity however, it's not completely eliminated.

You can call an expert to do this for you if you need an extra transponder key or if you've lost yours. The cost will be more than a standard key, but it is a much safer and better method to ensure that your car can't be started by anyone else.

Keyless Entry System

As more and more people demand convenience, safety and security key fobs for cars have become a common feature. These tiny devices can unlock doors, set off the panic alarm and open the trunk and even start your car without having the physical key in your hand. They are easily tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. That means they're expensive to replace, and you may need fob programming to pair your new key with your vehicle.

A standard key fob can cost around ten dollars to get cut at the hardware store, however the most recent smart keys aren't cheap car keys replacement if you're looking to purchase the keys and have them programmed. It is possible to spend between $200 and $500 for an alternative key fob. This includes the cost of having it cut and programmed for your car.

Some advanced cheapest car key replacement key systems let you use your smartphone as keys. You can lock or unlock your vehicle by using an app on your phone. You can also turn on and off your lights, turn on your parking break, and perform other tasks depending on how close you are to the vehicle. They are perfect for people who reside in urban areas, or even if you're a parent that's worried about your kids leaving the car unsupervised.

Certain of these systems may be expensive, but are more secure than a regular car key. They keep track of your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car key fob replacement if you are far from. Certain of these systems can help you locate your car in a garage, and others can notify you when you close or open the doors.

These systems are also useful for businesses like property managers who manage offices or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to monitor access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those who have permissions are allowed in and out.

Dealership

Some people believe that they should go to the dealer if their keys are missing. The dealer will ask for proof of ownership, and could request the key from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. But a dealer can also usually get the job done for you quicker than locksmiths, and they may offer lower prices too.

It is likely that the key fob will require programming to your vehicle. This can be done either at the dealer or by looking up the owner's manual. It involves opening and shutting doors, as well as switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a set of buttons that function as an electronic code. This is often handled by the driver, but it's best to let an expert take care of it.

The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the vehicle will affect the price as well. Modern cars feature high-tech transponder chips that will need to be paired with the car by a locksmith or dealer and the process may be more costly.

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

Certain brands are more difficult to work with. This includes a few of the older firms that have been shut down or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are a few of the more established companies that do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. These keys are usually reprogrammed. This is more expensive and time-consuming than replacing the key.

If you have a spare key it is best to get it copied by a specialist instead of getting a replacement from the dealer. So, you don't have to worry about having to pay for the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. Then, if you lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the cloned key will work.