Car Keys Replacement Cost

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

Today, however, the process can be more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the various types of car keys and how they will cost you to replace them.

Basic Key Fob

A key fob is an remote control as well as key in one. It’s a small, plastic piece with a button that can be pushed to open doors, open the hatchback or trunk, roll down windows, and possibly even start the vehicle. The key fob comes with an electronic chip embedded that communicates with the car’s onboard systems to control functions such as the starter.

Basic key fobs are usually constructed from plastic that is standard, and utilize a standard lock and key mechanism. They’re similar to the ones found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob costs between $50 and $100, but you’ll pay more if you need to replace one that has been damaged or lost.

You’ll likely have to visit the dealer if your car is older than five years old. Most 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 for car key replacement of the fob you purchase can be affected by the type you have. Older cars have mechanical key fobs, while modern models usually come with transponder keys or cars keys Replacement smart keys. Both are able to have a range of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks your vehicle automatically to rolling codes that are updated regularly to stop thieves from stealing and using the key fob information of your car.

Online key fobs may be cheaper than those you can purchase from a dealer, but they may not work on your car. Some manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru, include security chips in their key fobs that block them from working with devices that are not third-party. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob if you bring it in however there’s a high chance that it won’t function.

Check your owner’s manual or go to the manufacturer’s site for more information about programming your particular model’s key fob. It’s worth trying this yourself before heading to the dealer or hiring an expert locksmith. You can also check the warranty on your vehicle and the auto-insurance policy to determine whether they cover the cost of replacing a key fob.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are found in the majority of newer automobiles. They have embedded chips in the head that sends an information to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and start the engine. This key is more secure than the conventional flat metal key due to the transponder chip prevents a car from starting if it does not have the right signal. This technology was designed to prevent theft of cars because it is virtually impossible to duplicate these keys without the right equipment.

Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers that stop them from starting when they are operated with a key that is not transponder. However, car criminals have also come up with ways to steal and break into Cars Keys Replacement that are equipped with transponder keys.

A locksmith can usually help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They will need the details about your car including the VIN number and model. They’ll either program the key you have to the car’s system, or cut an entirely new one. This is a little more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key.

Some auto car key replacement near me stores, such as AutoZone and Walmart are also able to cut and copy a transponder key, but they may not be in a position to reprogram the chip inside the key. It is recommended to contact a reputable and experienced locksmith company if you want to ensure that a professional is competent to complete the task.

It was fairly easy to make duplicate keys for a car, and then wire a vehicle prior to the advent of this modern technology. This method was used to steal cars and it permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have drastically reduced the risk of this crime, but they haven’t completely eliminated it.

You can call a professional to do this for you if you need a replacement transponder key, or if you’ve lost one. It’s more expensive than a standard key but it’s a much safer and more secure option to ensure that anyone else cannot start your car.

Keyless Entry System

As increasing numbers of people want convenience, safety and security keys for their cars are now a standard feature. These tiny devices can unlock doors, set off the alarm for panic and open the trunk and even start your engine without having to have a physical key in your hand. They can be tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. It’s costly to replace keys, and you might require programming your new fob to pair it with your vehicle.

A basic key fob will cost ten or so dollars to cut at an hardware store, but the latest smart keys can be expensive if you’re looking to purchase them and have them programmed. Depending on your vehicle make and model you can expect to shell out between $200 and $500 for a replacement fob plus the cost of having it cut and programmed to your car.

There are also more advanced car key systems that let you use your smartphone as an actual key. You can lock or unlock your car remotely using the app on your smartphone. You can also turn on and off your lights, activate your parking break, and perform other tasks depending on the proximity to your car. They are perfect for people who live in urban areas, or even if you’re a parent that’s worried about your children leaving the car without supervision.

Certain of these systems are expensive however they’re also more secure than a regular car key since they locate you and prevent you from locking the car or turning the engine on when you’re far away. They can also help you locate your car in garages that have parking spaces and even alert you when the doors are shut or opened.

These kinds of systems could also be beneficial to businesses, such as property managers who oversee vacation rentals or office spaces. These systems permit them to control access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those with permissions are permitted to enter and exit.

Dealership

Some people believe they need to visit a dealer when their keys are missing. They’ll need to provide proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be ordered from the manufacturer which could take several days. However, a dealer can usually get the job done for you much faster than locksmiths, and they might have lower prices, as well.

The key fob might require programming for your car. This can be done at the dealership, or by reading your owner’s manual. It involves closing and opening doors, as well as turning lights and other electronics on and off. It can even involve pressing a series of buttons that functions as an electronic code. Most of the time, this is performed by the driver, but it is better to have a technician do it.

The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the vehicle will impact the cost as well. The cost of the service can be affected by the year, make and model of the vehicle.

A dealer who sells a specific brand of car will be more likely to be able to change keys for that model. Some of the biggest manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have a variety of models and are well-versed in the keys.

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 make keys are included. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. Typically, these keys require reprogramming which is more difficult and Cars Keys Replacement more expensive than replacing the key itself.

It is best to have your spare key cloned by a professional rather than getting an entirely new one from a dealer. This way, you avoid paying the higher after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys you are assured that the duplicate will function.