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Car Keys Replacement Cost A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could bring your spare to an a key cutter and buy a new one for just $10 or less. Today, however, the process is more complicated and costly. Learn about the different types and costs of keys for cars. Basic Key Fob A key fob is both an remote as well as a key in one. It's tiny, plastic device with a button that you can push to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, open windows, roll them down and, possibly, even start your car. The key fob has an electronic chip in it that communicates with your car's onboard systems to control functions such as the starter. Basic key fobs are constructed from plastic that is standard, and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. They are the same as those found on old Pontiacs or Saturns. A basic key fob may cost anything from $50 to $100, but the actual cost is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one. If your car was manufactured in the last five years, chances that you'll have to visit the dealer to get a replacement fob as many newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will usually be in a position to provide this service at a lower cost. The type of fob you have can affect the price. Older cars have mechanical key fobs, while latest models use transponder keys. Key fobs of both kinds can come with a variety of features. They can include keyless entry, which locks and unlocks your car automatically, or rolling codes that change regularly to prevent thieves from stealing the information on your key fob. You may be able to buy an aftermarket key fob at a lower cost than what you'd pay at the dealership however, they may not work with your car. Certain manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from interacting with third-party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob if it's brought in, however it's likely that it won't work. Go through your owner's manual or go to the manufacturer's site for information about programming your particular model's key fob. It's worth trying this yourself before heading to the dealership or hiring an expert locksmith. automotive key replacement can also check your car's warranty, roadside assistance and auto-insurance policy to see if they will cover the cost of a replacement key fob. Transponder Key Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of modern cars. These keys have a chip embedded into the head that transmits an electronic message to the vehicle when it is inserted in the ignition cylinder. The signal is used to unlock the car and begin the engine. This type of key is more secure than standard flat metal keys due to transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it does not receive an appropriate signal from the key. This technology was created to reduce car theft as it is almost impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the right equipment. Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers that prevent the vehicle from starting when they are operated with keys that are not transponder. Car thieves have come up with methods to steal vehicles with transponder key systems. A locksmith will usually be able to assist you in replacing the damaged or lost transponder key. They'll need the details of your particular vehicle, such as the VIN number as well as the model and year. auto car key replacement can then either program your existing key to the car's system, or cut an entirely new one. This procedure is more expensive than simply cutting a key from a dealership and program a new key. Some automotive stores like AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and copy transponder keys, but they aren't capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. If you want to ensure that a professional is able to complete the task, you should seek out a reputable and experienced locksmith company. Before the invention of this technology, it was relatively easy for someone to make a duplicate car key and then hot wire a vehicle. This method of stealing vehicles was widespread and allowed criminals to get into and drive off with stolen vehicles. The introduction of transponder keys 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 solution is to contact an expert and have them create it for you. The cost will be more than a traditional key but it is a much safer and better method to ensure that your car cannot be started by someone else. Keyless Entry System Car key fobs are now a standard feature in vehicles as more people seek convenience, safety, and security. These transmitters are able to open doors, activate the panic alarm, unlock the trunk, or even start the engine without the physical key. However, they also be subject to quite a beating from being tossed around and they are more likely to get lost or stolen than metal keys. That means they're expensive to replace, and you might require fob programming to connect the new key with your vehicle. The cost of cutting a basic fob for a key at a hardware store is about 10 dollars. However, the most recent smart keys can be costly when you need to purchase them and then program them. Depending on your vehicle make and model, you can expect to pay between $200 to $500 to replace a fob and the cost of cutting it and programming it to your vehicle. Some sophisticated car key systems let you make use of your smartphone as a key. You can lock or unlock your vehicle via the app on your smartphone. You can also turn on and off your lights, turn on your parking break, and do other things based on how close you are to your vehicle. These are perfect for those who live in urban areas or if you have kids and are worried about your children being in the car without supervision. Some of these systems can be costly, but they are more secure than a standard car key. They track your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car when you are far from. They can also assist you to locate your car in garages that have parking spaces and can even warn you if the doors are open or closed. These kinds of systems can also be beneficial for companies, such as property managers that oversee office space or vacation rentals. These systems are able to monitor the access rights of guests cleaners, guests, and maintenance workers, while ensuring that only those who have the right permissions can get into and out of the space. Dealership Some people might feel that they must visit a dealership if their keys are lost. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and occasionally the key must be ordered from the manufacturer which could take several days. A dealer can usually do the job faster than a locksmith, and may even cost less. It is likely that the key fob will require programming to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by referring to your owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors, and switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It could even involve pressing a series of buttons that acts like an electronic code. Most of the time, this is performed by the driver however, it is best to have a technician do it. The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the car will impact the price as well. The cost of the service can be affected by the year, make and model of the vehicle. A dealer who sells specific brand of car is more likely be able to replace the keys for the vehicle. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge variety of models and are more familiar with the keys that are used for the specific models. Certain brands are difficult to work with. This includes some of the older companies that have closed, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer being produced. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are some of the more established companies that have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these kinds of keys need to be reprogrammed and can be more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself. If you have a spare key, it is best to get it copied by a specialist instead of getting an exchange from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay for the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys, you can be sure that the duplicate will function.