Car Keys Replacement Cost

It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car was not a major issue. You could take your spare keys to key cutters and purchase a new one for $10 or less.

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

Basic Key Fob

A key fob can be described as a remote and key in one. It's tiny, plastic device equipped with a button which can be pushed to open doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, lower windows and maybe even start the vehicle. The key fob also comes with an embedded electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard computer system to control functions such as the starter.

Basic key fobs are usually constructed from plastic that is standard, and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. They are identical to those found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob may cost between $50 and $100, but the true cost for replacement car key is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.

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

The type of fob you have will also affect the price. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, while the latest models usually have transponder keys or smart keys. Key fobs of both types are able to be fitted with a range of features. They can include keyless entry that locks and unlocks your vehicle automatically, or rolling codes that are changed frequently to keep thieves from stealing the data on the key fob.

Key fobs that are available online could be cheaper than those you can buy at the dealer, but they might not work with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips inside their key fobs that block them from working with third-party devices. Some dealerships can program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in but there's a good chance that it won't function.

Read the owner's manual for your model or visit the manufacturer's website for more information on programming your specific model's key fob. It's worth trying this yourself prior to going to the dealership or paying an expert locksmith. You can also look at your car's warranty, roadside assistance and auto-insurance policy to see if they cover the costs of a replacement fob for your key.

Transponder Key

Most newer cars use keys of a different type, known as a transponder key. These keys contain a chip embedded in the head of the key which transmits a signal the vehicle when it is inserted into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and start the engine. This key type is more secure than traditional flat metal keys due to a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it does not receive an appropriate signal from the key. This technology was designed to prevent theft of cars since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the appropriate equipment.

In addition, 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 can help you to replace your transponder keys if it's damaged or stolen. They'll require the details of your particular vehicle, such as the VIN number, model and year. They will then either program your existing key to the cheap car key replacement near me's computer system or cut new keys. This is a more expensive process than having a dealership cut and program replacement keys.

Some stores for automotive like AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and copy transponder keys but may not be capable of reprogramming chips in the key. It is best to call an experienced and reputable locksmith service to ensure that a professional will be competent to complete the task.

Before the advent of technology like this it was fairly easy for someone to make duplicate keys for cars and then hot wire a car. This method of stealing vehicles was frequent and allowed criminals to get into and drive off with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has drastically reduced this crime but it's not completely eliminated.

You can get a professional to do this for you if you require an extra transponder key or if you lost yours. The cost will be higher than a conventional key, but it's a safer and better way to ensure that your vehicle cannot be started by someone else.

Keyless Entry System

Car key fobs are becoming an everyday feature in cars as more people want convenience, safety and security. These devices can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, open the trunk, or start the engine without an actual key. However, they also take some abuse from being used in a variety of ways, and are more likely to be lost or stolen than traditional keys. It's costly to replace them, and you may require programming your new key to pair it with your vehicle.

A basic key fob will cost ten or so dollars to get cut at an hardware store, but the latest smart keys can be expensive if you want to purchase them and have them programmed. Depending on your vehicle make and model you can expect to pay between $200-$500 for a replacement car keys with chips fob, and the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car.

Certain advanced car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as keys. With the application on your phone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car and you can also turn your lights on and off, activate your parking brake, and do other things based on the proximity of your car. They are perfect for people who live in urban areas, or if you're a parent that's concerned about your children leaving the car unattended.

Certain of these systems may be expensive, but they are more secure than a standard car key. They monitor your location to stop you from locking or opening the car if you are far from. Some of these systems can assist you in finding your car in a garage and others will notify you when you close or open the doors.

These systems are also useful for businesses such as property managers who oversee vacation rentals or offices. These systems can allow them to monitor the access rights of guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance workers, while ensuring that only those with the right permissions can get into and out of the space.

Dealership

Some people might feel that they have to go to the dealership when keys go missing. They'll have to show proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be purchased from the manufacturer, which could take several days. But a dealer will usually get the job done for you much faster than locksmiths, and they might have lower prices, as well.

The key fob could require programming to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by reading 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 set of buttons which acts as an electronic code. It is usually performed by the driver but it is always better to have a technician handle it.

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

A dealer that sells a certain brand of car will be more likely to know how to replace keys for that model. Some of the biggest manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota and Chrysler, have many models and are well-versed in 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 in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are a few of the older companies that do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. The keys are typically modified. This is more expensive and time-consuming than replacing the key.

It is recommended that you have your spare key cloned by a professional instead of getting an entirely new one from a dealer. You will avoid paying more expensive rates for after-hours or weekend services. If you lose your keys you can be sure that the cloned one will function.