Car Keys Replacement Cost Tips From The Best In The Business

Car Keys Replacement Cost

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

However the process has become more complex and expensive. Read on to learn about the various types of car keys and how they will cost you to replace them.

Basic Key Fob

Key fobs are an electronic remote and a key in one. It's a small, plastic device that contains buttons or buttons that you press to unlock the doors and trunk, open the hatchback, lower the windows and maybe even start the car. The key fob is equipped with an electronic chip in it that communicates with your car's onboard systems to regulate functions like the starter.

A basic key fob is usually made of plastic and utilizes a standard lock-and-key mechanism, like the kind you might find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob could cost anything from $50 to $100, but the true cost comes when you have to replace a damaged or lost one.

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

The type of fob you're using can also impact the cost. Older vehicles use mechanical key fobs, while modern models usually come with transponder keys or smart keys. Both of these types come with a variety of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle instantly to changing codes on a regular basis to deter thieves from intercepting and stealing the key fob information of your car.

You might be able to buy an aftermarket key fob at a lower cost than what you'd pay at the dealer however, they may not work with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips inside their key fobs, Car Keys Replacement Cost which prevent them from working with third-party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in, but there's a good chance it won't continue to function.

Read the owner's manual for your model or visit the manufacturer's website to find information about programming your particular model's key fob. It's a good idea to try this yourself before going to the dealership or hiring a locksmith to do it. You can also check the warranty of your vehicle, the auto-insurance policy and roadside assistance policy to see if they cover the costs of a replacement fob for your key.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are used in the majority of modern cars. These keys contain a chip embedded in the head of the key which transmits a signal the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and starting the engine. This key is more secure than a traditional flat metal key because the transponder chip blocks a car from starting without the correct signal. This technology was designed to reduce car theft because it is nearly impossible to duplicate these keys without the right equipment.

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

A locksmith can usually help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They'll need the details of your particular vehicle, including the VIN number, model and year. Then they will either cut a new key or program the current one to your car's system. This procedure is more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key.

Some stores for automotive like AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and duplicate transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming 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 company.

It was quite simple to make a duplicate key for a car and wire a vehicle prior to the advent of this latest technology. This was a method used to steal cars and permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. The introduction of transponder keys has drastically reduced this crime however, it's not completely eliminated.

If you require a new transponder key or you have lost yours, the best choice is to call an expert and have them do it for you. It will cost more than a standard key but it's a much safer and more reliable option to ensure that someone else is unable to start your car.

Keyless Entry System

As increasing numbers of people want convenience, security and safety, car key fobs have become a standard feature. They can open doors, activate the panic alarm, unlock the trunk, or start the engine without having an actual key. They can be tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. This means they're costly to replace, and you could require fob programming in order to pair your new one with your vehicle.

A basic key fob will cost ten or so dollars to cut at a hardware store, but the latest smart keys aren't cheap when you need to buy them and have them programmed. Based on the make and model you could expect to shell out between $200-$500 for a replacement fob plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car.

Some sophisticated car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as an actual key. By using the app on your phone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car, and you can switch on and off, activate your parking brake, and do other things based on your proximity to the car. These apps are ideal for those who live in urban areas, or even parents who are worried about your kids leaving the car without supervision.

Some of these systems could be expensive, but they are more secure than a standard car key. They track your location to prevent you from accidentally locking or starting the car if you're far from. Certain of these systems can assist you in finding your car in a garage, and others will notify you when you shut or open the doors.

These systems are also beneficial for companies such as property managers who manage offices or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to monitor access rights for guests cleaners, guests, and maintenance personnel, while making sure that only those with the proper permissions can go 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 has to be purchased from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. However, a dealer can typically complete the task for you faster than locksmiths, and they may have cheaper prices, as well.

The key fob could need to be programmed for your vehicle. This can be done either at the dealership or by looking up 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 that act as codes. This is usually handled by the drivers, however it is always best to let a technician take care of it.

The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the vehicle will impact the price as well. Modern cars come with sophisticated transponder chips which will require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith or a dealer and the process could be more costly.

A dealer who sells a particular brand of car will be more likely to be able to replace keys for the model. Some of the larger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler, have many models and are well-versed in keys.

Certain brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have been shut down or that are old enough that they no longer produce keys are included. This includes Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. Typically, these types 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 best to get it copied by 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 be assured that the duplicate will function.