Car Keys Replacement Cost
In the past, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could take your spare to a key cutter and get a new one for $10 or less.
Today, however the process is more complex and expensive. Learn more about the various types of keys for cars and how they'll cost you to replace.
Basic Key Fob
Key fobs are an electronic remote and a key in one. It's a small plastic device that contains buttons or buttons that you push to unlock the doors and open the trunk or hatchback, lower the windows, and possibly start the car. The key fob comes with an electronic chip in it that communicates with your car's onboard systems to control functions such as the starter.
A basic key fob is typically made of standard plastic and employs a lock-and key mechanism, such as the type you'd find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob can cost anywhere between $50 to $100, however you'll pay more if you need to replace one that's lost or damaged.
You'll likely need to visit the dealer if your car is older than five years old. Many newer cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. replacement key for car near me or a key shop will typically be able to do this at a lower cost.
The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, while most recent models utilize transponder keys. Both types of keys come with a variety of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle instantly to rolling codes that change regularly to prevent thieves from taking and using your car's key fob data.
It's possible to buy an aftermarket key fob for less than the price you'd pay at the dealership however they might not work with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru, include security chips in their key fobs, which prevent them from working with third-party devices. Some dealers can program an aftermarket key fob when it's brought in, however it's very likely that it won't work.
You can get information on programming your key fob by searching the manufacturer's site or your owner's guide. It's a good idea to try this yourself prior to going to the dealership or paying an expert locksmith to do it. You can also look into your car's warranty and auto insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of a brand new key fob.
Transponder Key
Most newer cars use keys of a different type, known as transponder keys. They have embedded chips in the head that sends a message to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and starting the engine. This key type is more secure than traditional flat metal keys due to transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it fails to receive the right signal from the key. This technology was designed to prevent theft of cars since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the appropriate equipment.
Additionally, many vehicles also have immobilizer systems that prevent them from starting if a non-transponder key is used. Car thieves have come up with ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems.
A locksmith can usually assist you in replacing a lost or damaged transponder key. They will need the details about your car like the VIN number and model. They will then cut a new key or program the one they have to your car's security system. This procedure is more expensive than simply getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key.
Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart, are also capable of cutting and re-copying the transponder key, however they might not be capable of reprogramming the chip inside the key. It is recommended to contact an experienced and reliable locksmith firm to ensure that a professional is competent to complete the task.
Before the invention of this technology it was fairly easy for someone to make duplicate keys for cars and then hot wire a vehicle. This method was used to steal cars and it allowed criminals to drive away with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have drastically reduced the risk of this crime, but not entirely eliminated it.
You can contact an expert to handle this for you if you need an extra transponder key or if you lost yours. It will cost more than a standard one, but it's a safer and more reliable option to ensure that someone else will not be able to start your car.
Keyless Entry System
Car key fobs are now an everyday feature in cars, as more and more people seek convenience, security, and security. These devices can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, unlock the trunk, or even start the engine without having the physical key. But they can also take quite a beating from being used in a variety of ways, and are more likely to be lost or stolen than metal keys. It's costly to replace keys, and you might need to program your new fob to connect it with your vehicle.
A basic key fob will cost ten or so dollars to cut at the hardware store, however the latest smart keys aren't cheap when you want to purchase them and then have them programmed. It is possible to spend between $200 and $500 on the replacement key fob. This includes the cost to have it cut and programmed for your vehicle.
Certain advanced car key systems allow you to make use of your smartphone as keys. By using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car, and you can turn your lights on and off, turn off your parking brake, and do 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 children leaving the car unattended.
Certain of these systems are expensive however, they're more secure than a standard car key as they track your location and prevent you from accidentally locking the car or turning the engine on if you're too far away. Certain of these systems can assist you in finding your car in a garage, and others will notify you when you close or open the doors.
These kinds of systems could also be beneficial to businesses, like property managers who manage office space or vacation rentals. These systems can allow them to monitor the access rights for guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance workers, while ensuring that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get in and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people feel they must go to the dealer if their keys are missing. They will need to show proof of ownership, and sometimes 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 faster than locksmiths, and they 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 either at the dealer or by reading the owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors, as well as turning lights and other electronics on and off. It could even involve pressing a series of buttons that acts like a code. It is usually performed by the driver, but it is better to have a technician handle it.
The cost is also dependent on the year, make and model of vehicle. The cost of the service could be affected by the year, make and model of the vehicle.
A dealer who sells a specific model will be more likely to know how to change keys for that model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are well-versed in the keys.
Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes some of the older companies that have shut down, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer being produced. This includes Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn, and Eagle. These keys are usually reprogrammed. This can be more expensive and time-consuming than replacing the key.
If you have a spare key, it is usually best to have it cloned at a specialist instead of getting an exchange from the dealer. This way, you avoid paying the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you lose your keys you can be assured that the cloned one will function.