10 Car Keys Replacement Cost Tips All Experts Recommend
Car Keys Replacement Cost
A few years ago, losing your keys to your car wasn't a big deal. You could take your spare key to a key cutter for an alternative that cost $10 or less.
Nevertheless the process has become more complicated and costly. Read on to learn about the various kinds of car keys and how they'll cost you to replace.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob can be described as a remote and key in one. It's a tiny plastic device that houses buttons or buttons that you press to unlock the doors and trunk, open the hatchback, lower the windows, and possibly start the car. The key fob comes with an electronic chip built in that communicates with the car's onboard systems to regulate functions such as the starter.
Basic key fobs are made from standard plastic, and use a regular lock and key mechanism. These are similar to the ones found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob can 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 within the past five years, chances are that you'll need to visit the dealership to get a replacement fob as many newer vehicles require specialized equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or key shop will typically be capable of doing this at a lower cost.
The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older vehicles have mechanical key fobs while the most recent models utilize transponder keys. Both of these types are able to have a range 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 key fob information of your car.
It's possible to purchase an aftermarket key fob online for less than what you'd pay at the dealer, but these may not work with your car. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that block their key fobs from working with third-party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob when it's brought in, but it's likely that it won't function.
Check your owner's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for more information about programming your particular model's key fob. It is recommended to try this yourself before hiring a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also look at your vehicle's warranty, roadside assistance and auto-insurance coverage to see if these cover the costs of a replacement fob for your key.
Transponder Key
Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of modern cars. These keys contain an embedded chip in the head of the key that transmits a signal to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car replacement key near me and start the engine. This key is more secure than the conventional flat metal key due to the transponder chip blocks a car from starting without the proper signal. This technology was developed to reduce car theft as it is almost impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the proper equipment.
Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers which prevent them from being started if they are used with keys that do not have a transponder. Car thieves have devised ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems.
A locksmith is usually able to help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They'll require the details about your specific vehicle, such as the VIN number as well as the model and year. They will then cut a new one or program the current one to your car's security system. This is a more costly procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement keys.
Some auto stores, such as AutoZone and Walmart, are also capable of cutting and copying a transponder key, but they may not be in a position to reprogram the chip in the key. If you want to ensure that a professional will be able to handle the job, duplicate car keys contact an experienced and trusted locksmith business.
Before the advent of this technology it was quite easy to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a car. This method of stealing cars was widespread and allowed criminals to enter and drive off with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening but it's not completely eliminated.
You can call an expert to handle this for you if you need an extra transponder key or if you lost yours. The cost will be higher than a traditional key however it's a safer and more secure method to ensure that your vehicle is not able to be started by anyone else.
Keyless Entry System
As more and more people demand security, convenience, and safety keys for their cars are now a standard feature. These transmitters are able to open doors, activate the panic alarm, open the trunk, or even start the engine without having an actual key. But they can also be subject to quite a beating from being tossed around, and they are more likely to be lost or stolen than metal keys. It's costly to replace them, and you may require programming your new fob to pair it with your vehicle.
A basic key fob will cost ten or so dollars to cut at a hardware store, but the latest smart keys aren't cheap if you want to purchase the keys and have them programmed. Based on your car's make and model, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 to replace a fob plus the cost of having it cut and programmed to your vehicle.
Some sophisticated car key systems let you make use of your smartphone as keys. You can lock or unlock your vehicle via the app on your phone. You can also turn off and on your lights, activate your parking break, and perform other tasks depending on how close you are to the vehicle. This is ideal for people who reside in urban areas or if you have kids and duplicate car keys worry about them leaving the car unattended.
Some of these systems could be expensive, but they are more secure than a standard car key. They keep track of your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car if you're far from. They can also help you locate your car in garages that have parking spaces, and some can warn you if the doors have been open or closed.
These systems are also beneficial for companies such as property managers who oversee office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems permit them to control 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 feel that they need to go to the dealer if keys go missing. Dealers will ask for proof of ownership, and could order keys from the manufacturer. This can take several days. A dealer is usually able to complete the job more quickly than a locksmith and may even cost less.
The key fob could need to be programmed for your car. This can be done at the dealership or by consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and closing doors and turning the lights and other electronic devices 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 however, it is best to have a technician do it.
The cost can also be dependent on the year, make and model of vehicle. Modern cars feature high-tech transponder chips that will need to be paired with the vehicle by a locksmith or a dealer and the process may be more costly.
A dealer who sells specific brand of car is more likely know how to replace the keys for the vehicle. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan, have a large number of models and are more acquainted with the keys for the specific models.
Certain brands are difficult to work with. Some of the more established brands that have shut down or that are old enough that they no longer produce keys are listed. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. Typically, these keys require reprogramming and can be more difficult and expensive than replacing the key itself.
In general, if you have a spare key, it is recommended to duplicate it at an expert instead of obtaining a replacement from the dealer. This way, you avoid paying the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. Then, if you do lose your keys you can rest easy knowing that the cloned key will function.