Car Keys Replacement Cost

In the past, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could bring your spare key to a key cutter and get a new one that cost less than $10.

Today, however, the process is more complicated and expensive. Find out about the various kinds and costs of keys for cars.

Basic Key Fob

Key fobs are an remote control as well as a key in one. It's a small, plastic device with a button that you can push to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, roll down windows and, possibly, even start the vehicle. The key fob comes with an electronic chip in it that communicates with the car's onboard systems to control functions like the starter.

A basic key fob is typically constructed of plastic that employs a lock-and key mechanism, such as the kind you might find on a vintage Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob could cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but the real cost comes when you have to replace a damaged or lost one.

If your car was manufactured in the last five years, the chances are you'll need to visit the dealership for a replacement fob since many modern cars require specialized equipment to code and program new car key replacement keys. A locksmith or a key shop will typically be capable of doing this for less.

The kind of fob you own will also affect the price. Older cars use mechanical key fobs while the most recent models utilize transponder keys. Key fobs of both types can come with a variety of features. They may include keyless entry which locks and unlocks your vehicle automatically, or rolling codes that are updated regularly to prevent thieves from stealing the information on your key fob.

Online key fobs may be less expensive than ones you can buy at the dealer, but they might not work on your car. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop their key fobs from interacting with third-party devices. Some dealers will program a second-hand key replacement car fob if it's brought in, but it's highly unlikely that it will function.

Read the owner's manual for your model or go to the manufacturer's site to find information on programming your specific model's key fob. You should try to do this yourself first before paying a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also look at your car's warranty, roadside assistance and auto-insurance coverage to see if these will cover the cost of a replacement fob for your key.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are found in most newer cars. The keys contain embedded chips in the head which transmits a message to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and for starting the engine. This key is more secure than the traditional flat metal key because the transponder chip prevents the car from starting without the proper signal. This technology was developed to reduce car keys lost replacement theft because it is nearly impossible to duplicate keys without the appropriate equipment.

Additionally, many cars also have immobilizer systems which prevent them from starting when keys that are not transponder compatible are used. Car thieves have developed methods of stealing cars with transponder key systems.

A locksmith can help to replace your transponder keys if it's damaged or lost. They'll need the details about your specific vehicle, such as the VIN number, model and year. Then, they'll cut a new key or program the one they have to the car's system. This procedure is more expensive than simply having a car dealership cut and program a new key.

Some automotive stores like AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and copy transponder keys, but they aren't capable of reprogramming the chip inside the key. You should contact an experienced and reputable locksmith company if you want to ensure that a professional will be able to handle the task.

Before the advent of this technology it was quite easy for someone to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a vehicle. This method of stealing cars was very common and allowed criminals to get into and drive away with stolen vehicles. The advent of the transponder key has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening, but it is not completely eliminated.

You can get an expert to handle this for you if you require an alternative transponder key or if you've lost yours. It's more expensive than a standard key but it's a much safer and more secure option to ensure that someone else is unable to start your cheapest car key replacement.

Keyless Entry System

As more and more people demand security, convenience, and safety key fobs for cars have become a standard feature. These tiny transmitters can open doors, activate the alarm that sounds a panic and open the trunk and even start your car without having to carry a physical key in your hand. They are easily tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. It's expensive to replace keys, and you might require programming your new fob to pair it with your vehicle.

The cost of cutting a basic key fob in an hardware store is around ten dollars. However, the most recent smart key replacement keys can be costly if you have to buy them and then program them. You should expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a 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 let you make use of your smartphone as a key. With the application on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car and you can also turn your lights on and off, turn off your parking brake, and perform other things based on your proximity to the car. This is ideal for people who reside in urban areas, or if you have children and are worried about children leaving the car unattended.

Some of these systems can be expensive, but are more secure than the standard car key. They monitor your location to stop you from accidentally locking or starting the car if you're far from. Certain systems will help you locate your vehicle in a garage, while others can notify you when you open or close the doors.

These kinds of systems could also be useful for companies, such as property managers who manage office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems can allow them to monitor access rights for guests cleaners, guests, and maintenance staff, as well as ensuring that only those who have the appropriate permissions are allowed to get into and out of the space.

Dealership

Some people may feel that they need to go to the dealership when keys go missing. Dealers will ask for proof of ownership and order keys from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. But a dealer can also usually get the job done for you faster than locksmiths, and they might have lower prices, as well.

It is likely that the key fob will still require programming to your vehicle. This can be done either at the dealership or by consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and shutting doors, and switching off and on lights and other electronic devices. It may also require pressing a number of buttons which act as codes. This is often handled by the drivers, but it's always better to let a technician take care of it.

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

A dealer who sells a particular model of car is more likely to have the knowledge to change keys for the model. Some of the biggest manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan, have a large number of models, and are more acquainted with the keys for those models.

Certain brands are difficult to work with. Some of the more established brands that have been shut down or that are old enough that they no longer produce keys are included. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are some of the companies that are older and do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. These keys are usually reprogrammed. This is more expensive and difficult than replacing the key.

It is recommended that you get your spare key copied by a professional instead of getting another one from the dealer. This way, you avoid paying the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you lose your keys you are assured that the cloned one will function.