Car Keys Replacement Cost
Not long ago, misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could bring your spare key to a key cutter for a new one that cost less than $10.
Today, however the process is more complex and costly. Find out more about the different types of keys for cars and how they can cost you to replace them.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob can be described as a remote and key in one. It's a small, plastic device with a button you can push to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, open windows, roll them down and maybe even start the vehicle. The key fob comes with an electronic chip in it that communicates with your 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 that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob could cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but the real price is when you need to replace a lost or damaged one.
You'll probably need to visit the dealer if the car is older than five years old. Many newer cars require special equipment to code and programme new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop is usually capable of doing this at a lower cost.
The kind of fob you own can affect the price. Older vehicles have mechanical key fobs while the most recent models utilize transponder keys. Key fobs of both types can come with a variety of functions. They could include keyless entry, which locks and unlocks your car automatically or rolling codes that change regularly to prevent thieves from stealing the data on the key fob.
Online key fobs may be cheaper than those you can buy at the dealer, but they might not work with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from working with third-party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob if you bring it in, but there's a good chance that it won't work.
You can find information about programming your key fob by searching the manufacturer's site or your owner's guide. It is recommended to try this yourself before hiring an expert locksmith or visiting the dealer. You may also want to check your vehicle's warranty and auto-insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of a new key fob.
Transponder Key
Transponder keys are found in most newer cars. These keys have embedded chips in the head which transmits a message to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and for starting the engine. This key is more secure than the conventional flat metal key due to the transponder chip prevents cars from starting if it does not have the right signal. This technology was designed to prevent theft of cars since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the appropriate equipment.
Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers that stop the vehicle from starting when they are operated by keys that are not transponder. However, thieves have also developed ways to gain access and steal vehicles that have transponder keys.
A locksmith can help replace your transponder key if it's damaged or lost. They will require details about your car like the VIN number and model. They will then cut a new key or program the current one to your car's security system. This is a little more expensive than simply cutting a key from a dealership and program a replacement key.
Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart, are also capable of cutting and copying the transponder key, however they may not be capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. If you want to be sure that a professional can handle the job, contact an experienced and trusted locksmith business.
Before the invention of this technology it was fairly easy to make a duplicate car key and then hot wire a vehicle. This method of stealing cars was common and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive off with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have drastically reduced the risk of this crime, but they haven't completely eliminated it completely.
You can get a professional to do this for you if you need an extra transponder key or if you lost yours. It's more expensive than a standard one, but it's a much safer and more secure alternative to ensure that someone else will not be able to start your car.
Keyless Entry System
As more and more people demand security, convenience, and safety keys for their cars have become a common feature. These little transmitters can unlock doors, set off the alarm for panic and open the trunk and even start your car without having to have a physical key in your hand. They can also be subject to quite a beating from being tossed around, and they are more likely to be lost or stolen than traditional keys. They're also expensive to replace, and you might require fob programming to connect your new one with your vehicle.
A basic key fob will cost about ten dollars to get cut at the hardware store, however the latest smart keys aren't cheap if you want to purchase them and have them programmed. Based on the make and model you can expect to pay anywhere from $200-$500 to replace a fob plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your vehicle.
There are additionally more advanced car key systems that allow you to make use of your smartphone as an actual key. You can lock or unlock your car by using an app that you have installed on your smartphone. spare car key replacement can also turn off and on your lights, activate your parking break, and do other tasks based on the distance you're to your car. These are great for people who reside in urban areas, or parents who are concerned about your children leaving the car without supervision.
Some of these systems could be costly, but they are more secure than the standard car key. They monitor your location to stop you from locking or opening the car if you are far from. They also can help you locate your car inside garages that have parking spaces and even alert you if the doors are opened or closed.
These systems are also beneficial for companies such as property managers who oversee office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems are able to monitor the access rights of guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance personnel, while making sure that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get in and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people believe they need to go to the dealer when their keys are missing. They will need to show proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be ordered from the manufacturer which can take a few days. But a dealer will usually get the job done for you quicker than locksmiths, and may have cheaper prices, too.
The key fob may still need to be programmed for your car. This can be done at the dealership or by consulting your owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors and turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It may even require pressing a number of buttons which act as codes. This is often handled by the drivers, but it's always better to let an expert take care of it.
The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the vehicle will impact the cost as well. Newer cars have advanced transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a locksmith or dealer and the process could be more costly.
A dealer who sells a specific model of car is more likely to have the knowledge to replace keys for the model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a wide number of models, and are more familiar with the keys that are used for those models.
Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes a few of the older companies that have closed, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. This includes Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. The keys are typically changed. This is more expensive and complicated than replacing the key.
If you have a spare key, it is usually best to have it cloned at a specialist rather than getting an alternative from the dealer. You will not have to pay the higher prices for after-hours and weekend services. Then, if you do lose your keys you can rest easy knowing that the copied key will function.