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Car Keys Replacement Cost
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a major issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutting shop for the replacement key for $10 or less.
Today, however, the process is more complicated and costly. Find out more about the various kinds of keys for cars and what they'll cost for replacement car key you to replace them.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob is both an remote as well as a key in one. It's a small, plastic piece with a button can be pushed to open doors, open the hatchback or trunk, open windows, roll them down, and possibly even start the car. The key fob is equipped with an electronic chip in it that communicates with the car's onboard systems to regulate functions like the starter.
A basic key fob is generally made of plastic and employs a lock-and key mechanism, such as the one you'd find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob could cost anything from $50 to $100, but the actual cost is when you need to replace a lost or damaged one.
If your car was built in the last five years, chances are that you'll need to go to the dealership for a replacement fob as many newer cars require specialized equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop typically can do this for less though.
The cost of your fob can also be affected by the type you have. Older vehicles use mechanical key fobs, while modern models usually come with transponder keys or smart keys. Both come with a variety of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car automatically to rolling codes that are updated regularly to prevent thieves from taking and stealing the data from your key fob.
It's possible to purchase an aftermarket key fob online at a lower cost than what you'd pay at a dealership however they might not work with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop their key fobs from working with third-party devices. Some dealerships can program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in however there's a high possibility that it won't work.
Read the owner's manual for your model or visit the manufacturer's website for more information about programming your particular model's key fob. It's a good idea to try this yourself before heading to the dealer or hiring a locksmith to do it. 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
The majority of newer cars have keys that are known as a transponder key. The keys contain embedded chips in the head that sends an information to the vehicle once it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and launching the engine. This type of key is more secure than traditional flat metal keys since transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it does not receive a signal from the correct key. This technology was developed to reduce car theft as it is almost impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the right equipment.
Additionally, many vehicles also come with immobilizer systems that stop them from starting if the key is not transponder-compatible. Car thieves have devised methods to steal vehicles with transponder key systems.
A locksmith can help repair your transponder key in the event that it's damaged or lost. They'll require the details of your particular vehicle, including the VIN number, model and year. Then they will cut a new key or program the existing one to your car's security system. This process is a bit more expensive than having a car dealership cut and program a replacement key.
Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can cut and copy transponder keys but may not be capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. If you want to be sure that a professional is able to complete the task, you should seek out a reputable and experienced locksmith company.
It was relatively easy to create a duplicate key for a car and hot-wire a vehicle before the advent of this new technology. This method of stealing cars was very widespread and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive away with stolen vehicles. The introduction of the transponder key has drastically reduced this crime but it's not completely eliminated.
You can contact an expert to handle this for you if you require an extra transponder key or if you've lost car keys replacement cost yours. The cost will be more than a conventional key, but it's a safer and better method to ensure that your car cannot be started by someone else.
Keyless Entry System
As increasing numbers of people seek security, convenience, and safety keys for their cars are now a standard feature. These little transmitters can unlock doors, set off the alarm that sounds a panic and open the trunk and even start your engine without having the physical key in your hands. They can be thrown around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. They're also expensive to replace, and you may require fob programming to connect the new key with your vehicle.
A basic key fob costs around ten dollars to cut at an hardware store, but the most recent smart keys aren't cheap when you want to purchase them and have them programmed. Based on your car's model and make you can expect to shell out between $200 and $500 for a replacement fob and the cost of having it cut and programmed to your car.
Certain advanced car key systems let you use your phone as an actual key. By using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car, and you can switch on and off, turn off your parking brake, and perform other things depending on your proximity to the emergency car key replacement. 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 unsupervised.
Some of these systems can be expensive, but are more secure than the standard car key. They monitor your location to stop you from locking or starting the car if you're too far from. They can also assist you to find your car key replacement online in garages that have parking spaces, and some can warn you when the doors are shut or opened.
These types of systems can also be beneficial to companies, such as property managers who oversee office space or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to monitor access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those with permissions are allowed in and out.
Dealership
Some people might feel that they have to visit a dealership if their keys disappear. Dealers will ask for proof of ownership and may request the key from the manufacturer. This can take several days. A dealer is usually able to complete the job more quickly than a locksmith and could even charge less.
The key fob could require programming for your vehicle. This can be done through the dealer or reading the owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors and turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It may even require pressing a set of buttons that function as an electronic code. This can often be done by the driver, but it's best to let an expert manage it.
The cost is also affected by the year, model and year of vehicle. Newer cars have advanced transponder chips that need to be paired with the car by a locksmith dealer and the process could be more expensive.
A dealer who sells a particular brand of vehicle is more likely to know how to replace keys for the vehicle. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are well-versed in the keys.
Certain brands are difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have shut down or are so old that they no longer produce keys are included. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn, and Eagle. Typically, these keys have to be reprogrammed which is more difficult and expensive than replacing the key itself.
It is best to have your spare key cloned by a professional instead of buying an entirely new one from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay for the higher after-hours or weekend rates. Then, if you lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the copied key will function.