Car Keys Replacement Cost
It wasn't long ago that losing keys to cars was not a major issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutter and get a new one that cost less than $10.
Today, however the process is more complicated and costly. Learn more about the various kinds of car keys 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 piece with a button that you can push to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, lower windows and maybe even start the vehicle. The key fob also comes with an electronic chip inside that communicates with the car's onboard system to manage functions such as the starter.
Basic key fobs are usually constructed from plastic that is standard, and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. These are similar to the ones found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. car key replacement near me can cost anywhere between $50-$100, but you'll pay more if need to replace one that has been lost or damaged.
You'll probably need to visit a dealer if your car is more than five years old. A lot of newer vehicles require special equipment to code and programme new keys. A locksmith or key shop will usually be in a position to provide this service for less.
The kind of fob you own can affect the price. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, while latest models use transponder keys. Key fobs of both types are able to be fitted with a variety of functions. They may include keyless entry which locks and unlocks your vehicle automatically or rolling codes that change frequently to stop thieves from stealing the information on the key fob.
Key fobs that are available online could be cheaper than those you can purchase from a dealer, but they may not be compatible with your car. Some manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru, have security chips inside their key fobs, which prevent them from working with third-party devices. Some dealerships will program an aftermarket fob if you bring it in but there's a good chance it won't continue to work.
You can get information on programming your key fob by searching the manufacturer's site or the owner's guide. You should try to do this yourself prior to paying for a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also look at your car's warranty, roadside assistance policy, and auto-insurance coverage to see if these cover the costs 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 head of the key that transmits a signal to the vehicle when it is put into the ignition cylinder. The signal is used to unlock the car and begin the engine. This key type is more secure than conventional flat metal keys because a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it does not receive a signal from the correct key. This technology was created to prevent theft of cars since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the proper equipment.
Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers which prevent them from starting when they are operated by keys that do not have a transponder. Car thieves have developed ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems.
A locksmith is usually able to help you replace a lost or damaged transponder key. They will need to have the details about your specific vehicle, such as the VIN number, model and year. Then they will cut a new one or program the one they have to the car's system. This is a little more expensive than simply getting a car dealership to cut and program a replacement key.
Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart, are also capable of cutting and re-copying the transponder keys, however they might not be able to reprogram the chip inside the key. It is best to call a reputable and experienced locksmith service to ensure that a professional will be able to handle the task.
It was fairly easy to make a duplicate key for a car, and then hot-wire a vehicle before the advent of this latest technology. This method of stealing vehicles was widespread and allowed criminals to enter and drive off with stolen vehicles. The introduction of the transponder key has drastically reduced this crime but it's not completely eliminated.
If you need a replacement transponder key or you have lost yours, the best option is to contact an expert and have them make it for you. The cost will be higher than a standard key, but it is a much safer and better method to ensure that your car is not able to be started by anyone else.
Keyless Entry System
Car key fobs are now a standard feature in vehicles, as more and more people seek convenience, safety, and security. These tiny devices can unlock doors, set off the alarm for panic, open the trunk, and even start your car without having the physical key in your hand. However, they also take some abuse from being tossed around and they are more likely to get lost or stolen than the 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 key fob at a hardware shop is around ten dollars. However, the latest smart keys can be costly if you have to buy them, as well as program them. Depending on your vehicle model and make you could expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for a replacement fob plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your vehicle.
There are also more advanced car key systems that let you make use of your smartphone as a key. You can lock or unlock your car via the app on your smartphone. You can also turn off and on your lights, turn on your parking break, and perform other things based on how close you are to the vehicle. This is ideal for people who reside in urban areas, or have children and worry about children leaving the car unattended.
Certain of these systems are expensive however, they're more secure than a standard car key because they can monitor your location and stop you from accidentally locking your car or turning the engine on if you're too far away. Certain systems can assist you in finding your vehicle in a garage, while others will notify you when you open or close the doors.
These kinds of systems can also be beneficial to companies, such as property managers who oversee office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to check access rights of 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 must visit a dealership if keys go missing. They'll have to show proof of ownership, and sometimes the key has to be ordered from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. A dealer is usually able to complete the job more quickly than a locksmith, and could even charge less.
The key fob may still need to be programmed for your car. This can be done at the dealership or by reading your owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors, as well as switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It may even require pressing a number of buttons that act as a code. Often, this can be performed by the driver but it is better to have a technician perform it.
The year the car was manufactured, its model and make of the car will affect the cost as well. Newer cars have sophisticated transponder chips which will require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith or a dealer and the process could be more expensive.
A dealer that sells a specific model of vehicle is more likely to know how to replace keys for that vehicle. Some of the biggest manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a wide variety of models and are more familiar with the keys that are used for those models.
Certain brands are difficult to work with. This includes some of the more established companies that have shut down, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. The keys are typically modified. This is more expensive and difficult than replacing the key.
It is best to have your spare key cloned by a professional rather than buying another one from the dealer. You will avoid paying higher rates for after-hours and weekend services. Then, if you do lose your keys, you can rest assured that the copied key will work.