Five Car Keys Replacement Cost Lessons From The Pros

Car Keys Replacement Cost
It wasn't long ago that misplacing car keys was not a problem. You could bring your spare to a key cutter and get a new one for just $10 or less.
However the process has become more complicated and costly. Find out more about the different types of car keys and how they will cost you to replace.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob can be described as an remote as well as a key in one. It's a small, plastic piece with a button you can push to unlock doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, roll down windows, and possibly even start the vehicle. The key fob also comes with a built-in electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard computer system to control functions such as the starter.
Key fobs for basic use are typically made of standard plastic and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. They are identical to those found on old Pontiacs or Saturns. A basic key fob can cost anything from $50 to $100, but the true cost is when you need to replace a lost or damaged one.
If your car was made in the last five years, the chances that you'll have to go to the dealership to get a replacement fob as many newer cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or key shop will usually be able to do this for less however.
The cost of your fob could also be affected by the type you own. Older vehicles have mechanical key fobs while the modern models have transponder keys. Both come with a variety of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car in a controlled manner to changing codes on a regular basis to deter thieves from intercepting and using your car's key fob data.
Online key fobs may be less expensive than ones you can buy at the dealer, but they might not be compatible with your car. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from interfacing with third party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob when it's brought in, however it's likely that it won't work.
You can get information on programming your key fob by visiting the manufacturer's site or the owner's manual. Try to do this yourself prior to paying for a locksmith or going to the dealer. You may also want to check your car's warranty and auto insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of a brand new key fob.
Transponder Key
The majority of newer cars have keys of a different type, known as transponder keys. These keys have embedded chips in the head which transmits an electronic message to the vehicle after it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and starting the engine. This type of key is more secure than conventional flat metal keys due to transponder chips stop the car from starting if it doesn't receive the right signal from the key. This technology was developed to prevent theft of cars since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the proper equipment.
In addition, many cars also come with immobilizer systems that stop them from starting when keys that are not transponder compatible are used. However, thieves have also developed methods to steal and break into cars that are equipped with transponder keys.
A locksmith can help you to replace your transponder keys if it's damaged or stolen. They will require details of your vehicle, such as the VIN number and model. They will then either program the key you have to the car's system, or cut new keys. This is a little more expensive than simply cutting a key from a dealership and program a new key.
Some stores for automotive like AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and duplicate transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming chips in the key. If you want to ensure that a professional will be able to handle the job, seek out a reputable and experienced locksmith business.
It was quite simple to make a duplicate key for a car and hot-wire a car prior to the advent of this modern technology. This method of stealing cars was widespread and allowed criminals to get into and drive away with stolen vehicles. The introduction of transponder keys has greatly reduced this activity but it's not completely eliminated.
You can get 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 one, however it's a safer and better alternative to ensure that someone else cannot start your car.
Keyless Entry System
Car key fobs are becoming a standard feature in vehicles as people are seeking convenience, safety and security. These tiny devices can unlock doors, activate the panic alarm or open the trunk and even start your engine without needing to have a physical key in your hands. But they can also take a lot of abuse from being tossed around, and are more likely to be lost or stolen than the metal keys. They're also expensive to replace, and you could require fob programming in order to pair the new key with your vehicle.
The cost of cutting a standard key fob at a hardware shop is around 10 dollars. However, the most recent smart keys can be expensive if you must purchase them and then program them. Depending on your vehicle model and make, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a replacement fob, and the cost of having it cut and programmed to your car.
There are other more advanced car keys systems that allow you to make use of your smartphone as a key. By using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car, and you can switch your lights on and off, as well as activate your parking brake, and perform other things depending on your proximity to the car. This is ideal for people who live in urban areas or if you have children and are worried about children leaving the car unattended.
Some of these systems could be expensive, but are more secure than a regular car key. They track your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car when you are too far away. They can also help you locate your car inside garages that have parking spaces, and some can warn you if the doors have been open or closed.
car key replacements are also beneficial for companies such as property managers who manage office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems can allow them to monitor the access rights of guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance personnel, while ensuring that only those with the right permissions can get into and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people believe they need to visit a dealer when keys are missing. The dealer will ask for proof of ownership and may purchase the key from the manufacturer. This could take several days. A dealer will usually complete the job faster than a locksmith, and might even cost less.
The key fob could need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership, or by consulting your owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors, and turning off the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It could even involve pressing a series of buttons that functions as a code. This is usually handled by the drivers, but it's best to let a technician manage it.
The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the car will affect the price, too. Newer cars have sophisticated transponder chips which will require pairing with the car by a locksmith dealer and the process could be more costly.
A dealer who sells a specific model will be more likely to know how to replace keys for that model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge variety of models and are more acquainted with the keys for those models.
Certain brands are more difficult to work with. This includes some of the more established companies that have closed, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer being produced. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are among the more established companies that do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these types of keys require reprogramming which is more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself.
It is recommended to have your spare key cloned by a specialist rather than getting an entirely new one from a dealer. This way, you avoid having to pay for the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you do lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the copied key will work.