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.
Nowadays, however, the process is more complicated and expensive. Find out about the various kinds and costs for car keys.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob can be described as an remote control as well as a key in one. It's a small, plastic device equipped with a button which you can press to unlock doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, roll down windows and, possibly, even start the vehicle. The key fob is equipped with an electronic chip in it that communicates with your car's onboard systems for controlling functions like the starter.
Basic key fobs are constructed from plastic that is standard, and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. They are identical to those found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob will cost anywhere between $50 to $100, however you'll be charged more if you require a replacement for one that's damaged or lost.
If your car was manufactured in the last five years, chances are you'll need to visit the dealership to get a replacement fob as many newer cars require specialized equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will usually be able to do this for less.
The type of fob you're using can also impact the cost. Older cars have mechanical key fobs, while the most recent models typically have transponder keys or smart keys. Both of these types are able to have a range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle instantly to rolling codes that change regularly to stop thieves from stealing and stealing the key fob information of your car.
It's possible to buy an aftermarket key fob online for less than what you'd pay at a dealership however, they may not work with your car. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from working with third party devices. car replacement key can program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in but there's a good chance it won't continue to work.
Check your owner's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for information about programming your particular model's key fob. Try to do this yourself prior to paying for a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also check your car's warranty, auto-insurance policy and roadside assistance coverage to determine if they will cover the cost of a replacement fob for your key.
Transponder Key
Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of newer automobiles. They have an embedded chip in the key's head which transmits a signal the vehicle when it is inserted into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and starting the engine. This key is more secure than the conventional flat metal key due to the transponder chip prevents the car from starting without the correct signal. This technology was designed to prevent theft of cars because it is almost impossible to duplicate keys without the appropriate equipment.
Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers that prevent the vehicle from starting if they are used with keys that are not transponder. However, car thieves have also devised methods to gain access and steal cars with transponder keys.
A locksmith is usually able to help you replace a lost or damaged transponder key. They will need the details about your car, such as the VIN number and model. They can then either program the key you have to the car's computer system or cut an entirely new one. This is a more expensive procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement keys.
Some automotive stores like AutoZone or Walmart can cut and copy transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming chips in the key. It is best to call an experienced and reputable locksmith service to ensure that a professional is competent to complete the task.
Before the invention of this technology it was fairly simple to create a duplicate car key and then hot wire a vehicle. This method of stealing cars was frequent and allowed criminals to get into and drive off with stolen vehicles. The advent of the transponder key has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening but it's not completely eliminated.
If you need a new transponder keys or you've lost yours, the best choice is to contact an expert and let them create it for you. It's more expensive than a standard key 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 people are seeking convenience, safety and security. These transmitters can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, unlock the trunk, or even start the engine without having an actual key. But they can also take some abuse from being used in a variety of ways, and they are more likely to be lost or stolen than the metal keys. That means they're expensive to replace, and you may need fob programming to pair your new one with your vehicle.
The cost of cutting a basic fob for a key at a hardware shop is around 10 dollars. However, the latest smart keys can be expensive when you need to purchase them, as well as program them. You can expect to spend between $200 and $500 on an alternative key fob. This includes the cost to have it cut and programmed for your car.
Some sophisticated car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as an actual key. Using the app on your phone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car, and you can also switch on and off, turn off your parking brake, and perform other things based on your proximity to the car. These apps are ideal for those who live in urban areas or if you have children and worry about them leaving the car unattended.
Some of these systems could be costly, but they are more secure than a regular car key. They keep track of your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car if you are too far from. They also can help you find your car in garages that have parking spaces and even alert you if the doors have been open or closed.
These systems can also be useful for businesses such as property managers who oversee office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems let them control access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also ensure that only those with permissions are permitted to enter and exit.
Dealership
Some people may feel that they need to visit a dealership if their keys are lost. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be purchased from the manufacturer, which could take a few days. But a dealer will usually get the job done for you faster than a locksmith, and they may have cheaper prices, too.
The key fob could need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done through the dealer or looking up the owner's manual. It involves opening and shutting doors, as well as switching off and on lights and other electronic devices. It may also require pressing a series of buttons which act as a code. This is often handled by the driver, but it's best to let an expert manage it.
The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the vehicle will impact the price, too. Modern cars come with sophisticated transponder chips which will need to be paired with the vehicle by a locksmith or a dealer and the process may be more expensive.
A dealer who sells a particular model will be more likely to know how to replace keys for the model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are familiar with keys.
Certain brands are 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. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are a few of the companies that are older and do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. These keys are usually modified. This can be more expensive and complicated than replacing the key.
It is best to get your spare key copied by a specialist rather than purchasing an entirely new one from a dealer. You will not have to pay the higher prices for after-hours and weekend services. If you lose your keys, you can rest assured that the cloned key will function.