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Car Keys Replacement Cost

It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to cars was not a big issue. You could take your spare keys to a key cutter and get an additional one for $10 or less.

Today, however, the process is more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the different types of car keys and how they can cost you to replace them.

Basic Key Fob

Key fobs are an remote as well as a key in one. It's a small, plastic piece equipped with a button which can be pushed to open doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, lower windows and, possibly, even start your car key replacement price. The key fob has an electronic chip inside that communicates with the car's onboard system to manage functions such as the starter.

Key fobs for basic use are typically constructed from plastic that is standard, and use a regular lock and key mechanism. They are similar to the ones found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob could cost anything from $50 to $100, but the real cost comes when you have to replace a lost or damaged one.

If your car was built in the last five years, chances are that you'll need to visit the dealer for a replacement car key fob fob as many newer cars require specialized equipment to code and program new keys. Locksmiths or key shops can usually do this for less however.

The kind of fob you own can affect the price. Older cars use mechanical key fobs while the latest models use transponder keys. Both come with a variety of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car in a controlled manner to changing codes on a regular basis to stop thieves from stealing and using the key fob information of your car.

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

Go through your owner's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for more information about programming your particular model's key fob. Try to do this yourself prior to paying a locksmith or going to the dealer. You may also want to check your vehicle's warranty and auto-insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of a new key fob.

Transponder Key

The majority of newer cars have a type of key called transponder keys. They have a chip embedded into the head which transmits a message to the vehicle once it is inserted in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and starting the engine. This type of key is more secure than conventional flat metal keys because transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it doesn't receive a signal from the correct key. This technology was designed to stop car theft since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the right equipment.

Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers which prevent the vehicle from starting when they are operated by keys that are not transponder. However, car thieves have also devised methods to steal and break into cars that are equipped with transponder keys.

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

Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart can also be capable of cutting and copying a transponder key, but they might not be able to reprogram the chip inside the key. If you want to ensure that a professional will be able to handle the job, contact an experienced and trusted locksmith business.

It was fairly easy to create duplicate keys for a car and then hot-wire a vehicle before the advent of this modern technology. This technique was used to steal cars and permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have greatly reduced this crime, but not entirely eliminated it.

You can contact an expert to do this for you if you need a replacement transponder key, or if you lost yours. The cost will be more than a traditional key but it is a much safer and better method to ensure that your car is not able to be started by anyone else.

Keyless Entry System

As increasing numbers of people want security, convenience, and safety key fobs for cars are now a standard feature. These tiny transmitters can open doors, set off the alarm for panic or open the trunk and even start your engine without having the physical key in your hand. They can be tossed around and are more likely to get lost or stolen. It's expensive to replace them, and you may have to program your new key to pair it with your vehicle.

A basic key fob will cost about ten dollars to get cut at the hardware store, however the most recent smart keys can be expensive if you're looking to purchase the keys and have them programmed. It is possible to spend between $200 and $500 for the replacement key fob. This includes the cost to have it cut and programmed for your car key cover replacement.

There are other more advanced car keys systems that let you make use of 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, as well as activate your parking brake, and do other things based on your proximity to the car. These are great for people who reside in urban areas or even parents who are worried about your children leaving the car unattended.

Certain of these systems may be expensive, but are more secure than a regular car key. They monitor your location to stop you from accidentally locking or starting the car when you are far away. They can also help you locate your car in garages that have parking spaces and even alert you if the doors have been shut or opened.

These systems are also useful for companies such as property managers who oversee vacation rentals or offices. These systems are able to monitor access rights for guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance personnel, while making sure that only those with the proper permissions can go in and out of the space.

Dealership

Some people might feel that they have to visit a dealership if keys go missing. The dealer will ask for proof of ownership, and could request keys from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. But a dealer will typically complete the task for you much faster than locksmiths, and they might have lower prices, as well.

The key fob might need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done either through the dealer or consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and closing doors, and turning on and off lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a set of buttons that function as codes. It is usually performed by the driver, but it is better to have a technician perform it.

The year the model, make and year of the vehicle will affect the cost as well. Modern cars come with high-tech transponder chips that will need to be paired with the vehicle by a locksmith or a dealer and the process could be more expensive.

A dealer that sells a certain model will be more likely to have the knowledge to change keys for the model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan, have a large number of models and are more familiar with the keys for the models they sell.

Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes some 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 some of the companies that are older and do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these kinds of keys require reprogramming which is more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself.

If you have a spare key, it is usually best to have it cloned at an expert instead of obtaining a replacement from the dealer. So, you don't have to worry about having to pay the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the cloned key will work.