Car Keys Replacement Cost Not long ago, misplacing your car keys was not a big deal. You could take your spare to key cutters and purchase a new one for $10 or less. Today, however the process can be more complicated and expensive. Learn about the various types and costs of car keys. Basic Key Fob Key fobs are a remote control and a key in one. It's a small, plastic piece equipped with a button which can be pushed to open doors and hatchbacks, open the trunk, lower windows and maybe even start your car. The key fob has an electronic chip embedded that communicates with the car's onboard systems for controlling functions like the starter. A basic key fob is generally made of plastic and employs a lock-and key mechanism, such as the one you'd find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob will cost between $50 and $100, but you'll be charged more if you need to replace one that has been damaged or lost. If your car was made in the past five years, chances that you'll have to visit the dealership for a replacement fob as many newer cars require special equipment to program and code new keys. A locksmith or key shop is usually capable of doing this for less. The type of fob you have can also impact the cost. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, while the most recent models typically have transponder keys or smart keys. Both are able to have a range of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car instantly to rolling codes that are updated regularly to prevent thieves from taking and stealing the key fob information of your car. You might be able to purchase an aftermarket key fob for less than what you'd pay at the dealer however, they may not be compatible with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips that block their key fobs from interfacing with third party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob, if it's brought in, however it's likely that it won't function. Read the owner's manual for your model or go to the manufacturer's site for more information about programming your particular model's key fob. Try to do this yourself before hiring a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also check your car's warranty, auto-insurance policy and roadside assistance policy to see if they cover the costs of a replacement key fob. Transponder Key The majority of newer cars have keys that are known as a transponder key. The keys contain an embedded chip in the head that sends an information to the vehicle once it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and for starting the engine. This key type is more secure than standard flat metal keys due to transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it doesn't receive an appropriate signal from the key. This technology was created to reduce car theft because it is almost impossible to duplicate keys without the appropriate equipment. In addition, many cars also have immobilizer systems which prevent them from starting when the key is not transponder-compatible. Car thieves have developed methods of stealing cars with transponder key systems. A locksmith can usually assist you in replacing the damaged or lost transponder key. They'll need information about your vehicle, such as the VIN number and model. Then, they'll cut a new one or program the existing one to your car's system. This process is a bit more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key. Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can cut and copy transponder keys, however, they may not be capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. You should contact an experienced and reliable locksmith service to ensure that a professional is competent to complete the task. Before the advent of technology like this, it was relatively easy for someone to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a vehicle. This method of stealing cars was common and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive away with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have greatly reduced the risk of this crime, but it isn't entirely eliminated it. If car key replacement service need a replacement transponder keys or you've lost yours, the best choice is to call a professional and have them make it for you. The cost will be higher than a traditional key but it's a safer and better way to ensure that your car is not able to be started by anyone else. Keyless Entry System Car key fobs are becoming a standard feature in vehicles as more people want convenience, safety, and security. They can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, unlock the trunk, or start the engine without having a physical key. However, they also endure quite a beating from being tossed around, and are more likely to get lost or stolen than traditional keys. They're also expensive to replace, and you could need fob programming to pair the new key with your vehicle. A standard key fob can cost ten or so dollars to cut at the hardware store, however the latest smart keys can be expensive if you need to buy them and have them programmed. Depending on your vehicle model and make you can expect to shell out between $200-$500 for a replacement fob, plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car. There are other more advanced car keys systems that allow you to make use of your smartphone as an actual key. By using the app on your smartphone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car and you can switch your lights on and off, turn off your parking brake, and do other things based on your proximity to the car. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas or if you have kids and are worried about children leaving the car unattended. Some of these systems can be costly, but they are more secure than the standard car key. They track your location to prevent you from accidentally locking or starting the car if you're too far from. They can also help you locate your car in parking garages and can even warn you if the doors have been shut or opened. These systems can also be useful for businesses such as property managers who manage vacation rentals or offices. These systems are able to monitor access rights for guests cleaners, guests, and maintenance personnel, while ensuring that only those who have the proper permissions can go in and out of the space. Dealership Some people may feel that they have to go to the dealer if keys go missing. The dealer will ask for proof of ownership and may purchase the key from the manufacturer. This could take several days. A dealer is usually able to complete the job faster than a locksmith and might even cost less. It is likely that the key fob will need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and closing doors, and switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It could even involve pressing a series of buttons which acts as the code. This is usually handled by the drivers, but it's always better to let a technician handle it. The cost is also affected by the year, make and type of vehicle. Modern cars feature high-tech transponder chips that will require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith dealer and the process could be more expensive. A dealer that sells a particular brand of car is more likely to know how to replace keys for that particular vehicle. Some of the larger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are familiar with keys. Other 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 being produced. This includes Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn, and Eagle. Typically, these kinds of keys need to be reprogrammed, which can be more difficult and expensive than replacing the key itself. If you have a spare key, it is usually best to have it cloned at a specialist rather than getting a replacement from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. If you do lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the cloned key will work.
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