Car Keys Replacement Cost

A few years ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could take your spare keys to an a key cutter and buy an additional one for $10 or less.

Today, however, the process is more complicated and costly. Learn about the different types and costs for car keys.

Basic Key Fob

A key fob can be described as an remote as well as a key in one. It's a small, plastic piece with a button that you can push to unlock doors and hatchbacks, open the trunk, open windows, roll them down, and possibly even start your car. The key fob comes with an electronic chip embedded that communicates with your car's onboard systems for controlling functions like the starter.

Basic key fobs are usually made of standard plastic and utilize a standard lock and key mechanism. These are the same as those that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob will cost between $50 and $100, but you'll pay more if require a replacement key fob for car for one that's damaged or lost car key replacement near me.

If your car was made within the last five years, the chances that you'll have to visit the dealership to get a replacement keys car fob since many modern cars require special equipment to program and code new keys. A locksmith or key shop will usually be able to do this for less though.

The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older vehicles use mechanical keys, whereas the most recent models typically have transponder keys or smart keys. Both types of keys can have a wide range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle automatically to rolling codes that are updated regularly to stop thieves from stealing and using your car's key fob data.

You may be able to buy an aftermarket key fob for less than what you'd pay at a dealership, but these may not work with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that block their key fobs from working with third-party devices. Some dealers can program an aftermarket key fob if it's purchased, but it's very likely that it won't work.

Check your owner's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for information about programming your particular model's key fob. You should try to do this yourself before hiring an expert locksmith or visiting the dealer. You may also want to check your car's warranty and auto insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost for car key replacement of replacing a key fob.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are used in the majority of newer automobiles. They have an embedded chip inside the head of the key that sends a signal to the vehicle when 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 prevents a car from starting if it does not have the right signal. This technology was designed to stop car theft since it is almost impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the right equipment.

Many cars are also equipped with immobilizers that prevent them from being started if they are used with a key that is not transponder. Car thieves have devised methods to steal vehicles with transponder key systems.

A locksmith can usually help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They will require information about your vehicle including the VIN number and model. Then they will cut a new one or program the current one to your car's security system. This process is a bit more expensive than simply getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key.

Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and copy transponder keys, but may not be capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. If you want to ensure that a professional is able to complete the task, you should call a reputable and experienced locksmith company.

Before the invention of this technology, it was relatively easy to make duplicate keys for cars and then hot wire a car. This method was used to steal cars and it allowed criminals to drive away with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has greatly reduced this activity but it's not completely eliminated.

If you need a replacement transponder key or you have lost yours, the best choice is to contact a professional and have them create it for you. It will cost more than a standard key however it's a safer and more reliable option to ensure that anyone else is unable to start your car.

Keyless Entry System

Car key fobs are becoming an everyday feature in cars as more people want convenience, security and security. These tiny transmitters can open doors, activate the panic alarm, open the trunk, and even start your engine without needing the physical key in your hands. They can also be subject to quite a beating from being tossed around, and they are more likely to get lost or stolen than metal keys. This means they're costly to replace, and you may need fob programming to pair your new one with your vehicle.

A standard key fob can cost ten or so dollars to get cut at the hardware store, however the most recent smart keys aren't cheap when you want to purchase the keys and have them programmed. Based on the make and model you could expect to pay anywhere from $200 and $500 for a replacement fob, in addition to the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car.

Some advanced car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as a key. You can lock or unlock your vehicle via the app on your smartphone. You can also turn off and on your lights, activate your parking break, and do other tasks depending on the distance you're to your vehicle. These are great for people who reside in urban areas, or if you're a parent that's worried about your children leaving the emergency car key replacement near me unattended.

Some of these systems can be expensive, but they are more secure than a standard car key. They track your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car if you are far away. They also can help you locate your car inside garages that have parking spaces and even alert you if the doors have been opened or closed.

These types of systems can also be beneficial to businesses, such as property managers that oversee office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems can allow them to monitor the access rights for guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance staff, as well as making sure that only those with the proper permissions can go into and out of the space.

Dealership

Some people believe they need to visit a dealer when keys are missing. The dealer will request proof of ownership and may request the key from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. However, a dealer can usually get the job done for you much faster than a locksmith, and they might have lower prices, too.

The key fob may still need to be programmed for your vehicle. This can be done either at the dealership or by consulting your owner's guide. It involves closing and opening doors and turning lights and other electronics on and off. It could even require pressing a set of buttons that act as codes. Often, this can be done by the driver, but it is better to have a technician do it.

The cost will also be dependent on the year, make and model of vehicle. Newer cars have sophisticated transponder chips which will need to be paired with the car by a locksmith dealer and the process may be more expensive.

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

Some brands are harder 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. This includes Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. Typically, these keys need to be reprogrammed, which can be more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself.

It is best to have your spare key cloned by a professional instead of buying an entirely new one from a dealer. So, you don't have to worry about having to pay the higher after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys you can be assured that the cloned one will work.