Car Keys Replacement Cost

In the past, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could take your spare key to a key cutter for a new one that cost less than $10.

Today, however the process is more complex and costly. Learn about the various types and costs for keys for cars.

Basic Key Fob

A key fob is an electronic remote control and a key in one. It's a small, plastic piece with a button that you can push to unlock doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, lower windows, and possibly even start your car. The key fob also has an embedded electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard system to manage functions like the starter.

Basic key fobs are made from standard plastic, 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 anything from $50 to $100, but the actual cost is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.

If your car key cover replacement was built in the last five years, chances are you'll need to go to the dealership to get a replacement fob as many newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop is usually in a position to provide this service at a lower cost.

The kind of fob you own can affect the price. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, while the most recent models typically have transponder keys or smart keys. Both of these types come with a variety of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car automatically to rolling codes that are updated regularly to stop thieves from stealing and using the key fob information of your car.

You might be able to buy an aftermarket key fob online 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 interfacing with third party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob, if it's brought in, but it's very likely that it won't function.

You can find out more about programming your key fob by looking up the site of the manufacturer or in the owner's guide. It's worth trying to do this yourself before going to the dealership or hiring a locksmith to do it. You can also check your vehicle's warranty, Car Keys Replacement Cost roadside assistance policy, and auto-insurance coverage to determine if they cover the costs of a replacement key fob.

Transponder Key

Most modern cars utilize keys that are known as transponder keys. The keys contain embedded chips in the head that sends an information to the vehicle after it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and starting the engine. This key type is more secure than standard flat metal keys since transponder chips stop the car from starting if it fails to receive the right signal from the key. This technology was developed to prevent theft of cars since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the right equipment.

Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers which prevent them from starting if they are used with keys that are not transponder. However, thieves have also devised methods to break into and steal cars that are equipped with transponder keys.

A locksmith will usually be able to assist you in replacing the damaged or lost transponder key. They will need the details about your car, such as the VIN number and model. They will then cut a new one or program the existing one to the car's system. This procedure is more expensive than having a car dealership cut and program a replacement key.

Some automotive stores like AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and duplicate transponder keys but may not be capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. If you want to be sure that a professional will be able to handle the task, you should contact an experienced and trusted locksmith company.

Before the advent of this technology, it was relatively easy to make duplicate keys for cars and then hot wire a car. This method of stealing cars was frequent and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive off with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening however, it's not completely eliminated.

If you require a new transponder keys or you've lost yours, the best solution is to call an expert and have them do it for you. The cost will be more than a conventional key, but it is a much safer and more secure method to ensure that your vehicle is not able to be started by anyone else.

Keyless Entry System

Car key fobs are becoming an everyday feature in cars, as more and more people seek convenience, safety and security. These transmitters can open doors, activate the panic alarm, unlock the trunk, or even start the engine without having the physical key. They are easily tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. That means they're expensive to replace, and you could require fob programming in order to pair your new one with your vehicle.

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

Some sophisticated car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as an actual key. Using the app on your smartphone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car, and you can switch on and off, as well as activate your parking brake, and perform other things depending on your proximity to the car. This is ideal for people who reside in urban areas or have children and are worried about them leaving the car unattended.

Some of these systems could be expensive, but are more secure than the standard car key. They track your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car if you're too far from. Certain systems can help you locate your vehicle in a garage, while others can alert you if you shut or open the doors.

These systems can also be useful for businesses like property managers who oversee vacation rentals or offices. These systems permit them to monitor access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also ensure that only those who have permissions are allowed in and out.

Dealership

Some people may think that they need to go to the dealership when their keys are lost. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be ordered from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. But a dealer can also generally complete the task for you quicker than locksmiths, and might have lower prices, as well.

It is likely that the key fob will still need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership, or by consulting your owner's manual. It involves opening and shutting doors, as well as switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It could also require pressing a set of buttons which acts as a code. Often, this can be done by the driver, but it is always better to have a technician handle it.

The cost will also be dependent on the year, make and model of vehicle. The cost of the service may be affected by the year, model and model of the vehicle.

A dealer who sells a particular brand of car will be more likely to have the knowledge to change keys for that model. Some of the biggest manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a wide variety of models and are more familiar with the keys that are used for the models they sell.

Other brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have shut down or are so old that they no longer manufacture keys are included. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are some of the older companies that have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these keys require reprogramming, which can be more difficult and expensive than replacing the key itself.

It is recommended to have your spare key cloned by a professional instead of getting another one from a dealer. So, you don't have to worry about paying the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys, you can be sure that the cloned one will function.