Car Keys Replacement Cost
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys to cars was not a major issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutter for a new one that cost $10 or less.
Nevertheless the process has become more complicated and costly. Find out more about the different types of car keys and how they can cost you to replace.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob is both a remote and key in one. It's a small plastic device that contains one or more buttons that you can push to unlock the doors and open the trunk or hatchback, lower the windows, and perhaps start the car. The key fob is equipped with an electronic chip embedded that communicates with the car's onboard systems to control functions like the starter.
Basic key fobs are usually made of standard plastic and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. They are the same as those found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob can cost anything from $50 to $100, but the true price is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.
You'll likely need to visit a dealer if your car is more than five years old. Most newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop is usually able to do this at a lower cost.
The type of fob you have can also impact the cost. Older cars have mechanical key fobs, while modern models usually come with transponder keys or smart keys. Both types of key fobs can come with a variety of functions. They may include keyless entry which locks and unlocks your car automatically or rolling codes that are changed regularly to prevent thieves from stealing the data on the key fob.
car key replacement near me purchased online may be less expensive than the ones you can buy at the dealer, but they may not work with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop their key fobs from working with third-party devices. Some dealerships will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in, but there's a good possibility that it won't function.
You can find information about programming your key fob by searching the site of the manufacturer or in the owner's manual. You should try to do this yourself first before paying a locksmith or going to the dealer. You may also want to check the warranty on your vehicle and the auto-insurance policy to determine if they cover the cost of a brand new key fob.
Transponder Key
The majority of newer cars have a type of key called transponder keys. These keys have an embedded chip in the head that sends an electronic message to the vehicle once it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and starting the engine. This key is more secure than the traditional flat metal keys because the transponder chip prevents a car from starting without the proper signal. This technology was designed to reduce car theft because it is nearly impossible to duplicate these keys without the right equipment.
Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers which prevent them from starting when they are operated with a key that is not transponder. However, car criminals have also come up with methods to steal and break into vehicles that have transponder keys.
A locksmith can usually assist you in replacing the damaged or lost transponder key. They will need the details about your car including the VIN number and model. They can then either program your existing key to the car's computer system or cut a new one. This process is a bit more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key.
Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and copy transponder keys but may not be capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. It is recommended to contact an experienced and reputable locksmith service to ensure that a professional is competent to complete the task.
It was quite simple to create duplicate keys for a car and then hot-wire a car prior to the advent of this modern technology. This method of stealing cars was frequent and allowed criminals to enter and drive off with stolen vehicles. key replacement car have drastically reduced this crime, but not entirely eliminated it completely.
You can call an expert to handle this for you if you need a replacement transponder key, or if you lost yours. It will cost more than a standard one, but it's a safer and more secure alternative to ensure that someone else cannot start your car.
Keyless Entry System
Car key fobs are now a standard feature of vehicles as more people want convenience, safety and security. They can open doors, activate the panic alarm, open the trunk, or start the engine without the physical key. They can be tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. It's expensive to replace them, and you might need to program your new fob to connect it with your vehicle.
A standard key fob can cost ten or so dollars to cut at a hardware store, but the most recent smart keys aren't cheap if you want to purchase the keys and have them programmed. Depending on your vehicle make and model you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 to replace a fob plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your vehicle.
There are other more advanced car keys systems that let you make use of your smartphone as a key. You can lock or unlock your car by using an app on your phone. You can also turn on and off your lights, activate your parking break, and do other tasks based on the distance you're to your vehicle. These apps are ideal for those who live in urban areas or have children and are worried about them leaving the car unattended.
Some of these systems can be expensive however, they're more secure than a standard car key because they can track your location and prevent you from locking the car or turning the engine on when you're far away. They can also help you locate your car in garages that have parking spaces and can even warn you when the doors are open or closed.
These types of systems can also be useful for businesses, like property managers who manage office space or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to monitor access rights of guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance staff, as well as making sure that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get into and out of the space.
car key replacements believe that they should go to the dealer when keys are missing. They will need to show proof of ownership, and occasionally keys must be ordered from the manufacturer which could take several days. A dealer can usually do the job more quickly than a locksmith and might even cost less.
It is likely that the key fob will still need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership, or by consulting your owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors, and turning off lights and other electronics on and off. It can even require pressing a set of buttons that functions as the code. This is often handled by the drivers, however it's always better to let an expert manage it.
The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the car will impact the cost as well. Newer cars have sophisticated transponder chips which will need to be paired with the vehicle by a locksmith dealer and the process could be more expensive.
A dealer who sells a specific brand of car will be more likely to know how to change keys for the model. Some of the larger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge number of models and are more acquainted with the keys that are used for the specific models.
Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes some of the more established firms that have been shut down or are old enough to have keys that are no longer being produced. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are a few of the older companies that no longer produce keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. The keys are typically reprogrammed. This can be more expensive and complicated than replacing the key.
In general, if you have a spare key it is usually best to have it cloned at an expert instead of obtaining a replacement from the dealer. You will avoid paying higher rates for after-hours and weekend services. If you lose your keys you can be sure that the cloned key will work.