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Car Keys Replacement Cost

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to your car was not a major issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutting shop for an alternative that cost less than $10.

Today, however the process is more complicated and expensive. Learn about the various types and costs of car keys.

Basic Key Fob

A key fob can be described as a remote and key in one. It's a small, plastic device that has a button or buttons that you push to unlock the doors, open the trunk or hatchback, roll down the windows and maybe even start the car. The key fob is equipped with an electronic chip built in that communicates with your car's onboard systems for controlling functions like the starter.

Key fobs for basic use are typically made of standard plastic and use a regular lock and key mechanism. They are identical to those found on old Pontiacs or Saturns. A basic key fob could cost anything from $50 to $100, but the true cost is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.

You'll likely have to visit a dealer if your vehicle is older than five years old. A lot of newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will usually be able to do this for less, though.

The cost of your fob can depend on the type of fob you have. Older cars use mechanical keys, while the modern models have transponder keys. Both of these types are able to have a range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle in a controlled manner to changing codes on a regular basis to stop thieves from stealing and using the data from your key fob.

You may be able to buy an aftermarket key fob online for less than the price you'd pay at a dealership however, they may not be compatible with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that block their key fobs from interfacing with third party devices. Some dealerships will program an aftermarket fob if you bring it in, but there's a good chance that it won't function.

You can get information on programming your key fob by looking up the website of the manufacturer or the owner's manual. You should try to do this yourself before hiring for a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also look at your vehicle's warranty, roadside assistance and auto-insurance coverage to determine if they cover the costs of a replacement key fob.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are found in the majority of modern cars. These keys have an embedded chip in the head which transmits an electronic message to the vehicle when it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and launching the engine. This key type is more secure than traditional 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 designed to prevent theft of cars because it is virtually impossible to duplicate keys without the appropriate equipment.

Additionally, many vehicles also have immobilizer systems which prevent them from starting when the key is not transponder-compatible. Car thieves have developed ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems.

A locksmith can usually assist you in replacing the damaged or lost car keys replacement transponder key. They will need to have the information about your specific vehicle, including the VIN number, model and year. Then they will either cut a new key or program the one they have to your car's security system. This process is a bit more expensive than having a car dealership cut and program a new key.

Some auto stores, such as AutoZone and Walmart, are also capable of cutting and re-copying a transponder key, but they may not be able to reprogram the chip in the key. If you want to ensure that a professional can handle the task, you should seek out a reputable and experienced locksmith company.

Before the advent of technology like this it was quite simple to create a duplicate car key and then hot wire a car. This method of stealing cars was very frequent and allowed criminals to enter and drive away with stolen vehicles. The advent of the transponder key has drastically reduced this crime however, it's not completely eliminated.

You can call an expert to handle this for you if you require an alternative transponder key or if you lost yours. It's more expensive than a standard one, however it's a safer and better option to ensure that anyone else cannot start your car.

Keyless Entry System

As more and more people demand convenience, Car Keys Replacement Cost security and safety key fobs for cars are now a standard feature. These tiny transmitters can open doors, activate the alarm that sounds a panic, open the trunk, and even start your car without having to have a physical key in your hands. But they can also take a lot of abuse from being tossed around and they are more likely to get lost or stolen than the metal keys. They're also expensive to replace, and you could need fob programming to pair your new key with your vehicle.

The cost of cutting a basic key fob at an hardware store is around 10 dollars. However, the newest smart keys can be expensive if you must purchase them and then program them. You can expect to spend between $200 and $500 on the replacement key fob. This includes the cost to have it cut and programmed to fit in your car.

There are additionally more advanced car key systems that allow you to use your smartphone as a key. Using the app on your phone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car and you can also turn your lights on and off, turn off your parking brake, and do other things based on the proximity of your car. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas or if you're a parent that's worried about your children leaving the car unsupervised.

Certain of these systems can be expensive however, they're more secure than a regular car key as they monitor your location and stop you from accidentally locking your car or turning off the engine when you're far away. They also can help you find your car in parking garages, and some can warn you if the doors are shut or opened.

These types of systems can also be beneficial for businesses, such as property managers that oversee office space or vacation rentals. These systems can allow them to monitor the access rights of guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance workers, while ensuring that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get in and out of the space.

Dealership

Some people may feel that they must go to the dealer if keys go missing. They will need to show proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be purchased from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. But a dealer will typically complete the task for you much faster than locksmiths, and they may offer lower prices too.

The key fob could require programming for your cheap car key replacement. This can be done at the dealership or by referring to the owner's manual. It involves opening and shutting doors, as well as switching off and on lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a series of buttons which act as a code. This is often handled by the drivers, however it's always better to let a technician manage it.

The cost can also be dependent on the year, model and year of vehicle. The cost of the service could also be affected by the year, model and model of the vehicle.

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

Certain brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have been shut down or are so old that they no longer produce keys are listed. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are a few of the older companies that no longer produce keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. These keys are usually reprogrammed. This is more expensive and complicated than replacing the key.

It is best to have your spare key cloned by a professional instead of buying a new one from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you do lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the cloned key will function.