Car Keys Replacement Cost

A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could bring your spare key to a key cutting shop for the replacement key for less than $10.

Today, however, the process is more complicated and expensive. Find out more about the various kinds of keys for cars and what they will cost you to replace them.

Basic Key Fob

Key fobs are a remote control and an actual key in one. It's a small plastic device that contains buttons or buttons that you push to unlock the doors and trunk, open the hatchback, roll down the windows and maybe even start the car. The key fob also has a built-in electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard system to manage functions such as the starter.

A basic key fob is generally made of standard plastic and utilizes a standard lock-and-key mechanism, such as the type you'd find on a vintage Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob can cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but the real price is when you need to replace a lost or damaged one.

You'll probably need to visit a dealer if your vehicle is older than five years old. Many newer cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will usually be able to do this for less.

The cost of your fob could also depend on the type you own. Older vehicles have mechanical key fobs while the latest models use transponder keys. Both types of key fobs are able to be fitted with a variety of functions. They can include keyless entry, which locks and unlocks your vehicle automatically, or rolling codes that change frequently to keep thieves from stealing the data on the key fob.

It's possible to purchase an aftermarket key fob for less than what you'd pay at a dealership, but these may not be compatible with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop their key fobs from interacting with third party devices. Some dealers can program an aftermarket key fob, if it's brought in, but it's highly unlikely that it will function.

You can get information on programming your key fob by looking up the site of the manufacturer or in the owner's manual. Try to do this yourself prior to paying for a locksmith or going to the dealer. You could also check your car's warranty, roadside assistance and auto-insurance policy to see if they cover the costs of a replacement fob for your key.

Transponder Key

Most newer cars use keys of a different type, known as transponder keys. The keys have an embedded chip inside the key's head that transmits a signal to the vehicle when it is inserted into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and begin the engine. This key is more secure than the conventional flat metal key due to the transponder chip prevents cars from starting if it does not have the right signal. This technology was created to prevent theft of cars because it is almost impossible to duplicate keys without the appropriate equipment.

Additionally, many cars also have immobilizer systems that prevent them from starting when a non-transponder key is used. However, car criminals have also come up with methods to break into and steal cars with transponder keys.

A locksmith can help to replace your transponder keys if it's damaged or lost. They'll need information about your vehicle like the VIN number and model. Then they will cut a new one or program the existing one to the car's system. This is a little more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a new car key replacement key.

Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart can also be able to cut and copy the transponder keys, however they may not be able to reprogram the chip inside the key. If you want to ensure that a professional can handle the task, you should contact an experienced and trusted locksmith business.

Before the invention of technology like this it was fairly simple to create duplicate car keys and then hot wire a car. This technique was used to steal cars and permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have greatly reduced the risk of this crime, but it isn't entirely eliminated it completely.

You can get a professional to do this for you if you need an extra transponder key or if you've lost one. It's more expensive than a standard key, however it's a safer and more reliable alternative to ensure that someone else cannot start your car key fob replacement near me.

Keyless Entry System

Car key fobs are becoming an everyday feature in cars, as more and people are seeking convenience, safety, and security. These little transmitters can unlock doors, activate the alarm that sounds a panic or open the trunk and even start your engine without needing to carry a physical key in your hands. But they can also take quite a beating from being tossed around, and are more likely to get lost or stolen than metal keys. That means they're expensive to replace, and you could need fob programming to pair your new key with your vehicle.

A standard key fob can cost ten or so dollars to cut at a hardware store, but the latest smart keys can be expensive if you want to purchase them and then have them programmed. You should expect to pay between $200 and $500 on a replacement key fob. This includes the cost of having it cut and programmed to fit in your car.

There are additionally more advanced cheap car key replacement key systems that allow you to use your smartphone as a key. By using the app 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 do other things depending on the proximity of your car. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas, or if you have kids and worry about them leaving the car unattended.

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

These kinds of systems can also be useful for businesses, like property managers who oversee office space or vacation rentals. These systems permit them to monitor access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also ensure that only those with permissions are allowed to enter and exit the premises.

Dealership

Some people may think that they need to visit a dealership if their keys disappear. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and occasionally the key has to be ordered from the manufacturer which could take several days. But a dealer can also generally complete the task for you quicker than locksmiths, and may have cheaper prices, too.

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 reading your owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors, and turning off lights and other electronics on and off. It may also require pressing a series of buttons that act as an electronic code. This is often handled by the drivers, however it's always better to let a technician handle it.

The year, make and model of the vehicle will have an impact on the cost as well. Newer cars have high-tech transponder chips that will require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith dealer, and the process can be more costly.

A dealer that sells a particular brand of vehicle is more likely to be able to replace the keys for that vehicle. Some of the biggest manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler, have many models and are familiar with the keys.

Other brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the more established brands that have shut down or are so old that they no longer make keys are listed. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. Typically, these keys require reprogramming, which can be more difficult and more expensive than replacing the key itself.

If you have a spare key, it is recommended to have it cloned at an expert instead of obtaining an exchange from the dealer. You will avoid paying more expensive rates for after-hours or weekend services. If you lose your keys you are assured that the duplicate will function.