Car Keys Replacement Cost
In the past, losing your keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could bring your spare key to a key cutter for an alternative that cost $10 or less.
Nevertheless the process has gotten more complex and expensive. Read on to learn about the different types of keys for cars and what they will cost you to replace.
Basic Key Fob
Key fobs are an remote control as well as an actual key in one. It's a small, plastic device equipped with a button which you can push to unlock doors and hatchbacks, open the trunk, roll down windows and, possibly, even start your car. The key fob has an electronic chip built in that communicates with the car's onboard systems for controlling functions like the starter.
Basic key fobs are usually made from standard plastic, and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. These are similar to the ones that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob could cost anything from $50 to $100, but the real price is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.
You'll likely have to visit a dealer if your car is newer than five years. Many newer cars require special equipment to code and programme new keys. A locksmith or a key shop is usually able to do this at a lower cost.
The type of fob you're using can also impact the cost. Older cars have mechanical key fobs, whereas the latest models usually have transponder keys or smart keys. Both types of key fobs are able to be fitted with a variety of functions. They could include keyless entry which locks and unlocks your car automatically, or rolling codes that are updated regularly to prevent thieves from stealing the information on the key fob.
You may be able to buy an aftermarket key fob for less than the price you'd pay at a dealership however, they may not work with your car. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop 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 it won't continue to function.
You can find out more about programming your key fob by visiting the site of the manufacturer or in your owner's guide. You should try to do this yourself prior to paying an expert locksmith or visiting the dealer. You can also check your vehicle's warranty and auto-insurance policy to determine whether they will cover the cost of a new key fob.
car key fob replacements are utilized in the majority of modern cars. The keys contain embedded chips in the head that transmits an electronic message to the vehicle after it is inserted in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and begin the engine. This key type is more secure than traditional flat metal keys because transponder chips stop the car from starting if it does not receive a signal from the correct key. This technology was created to stop car theft since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these keys without the proper equipment.
Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers that prevent the vehicle from starting when they are operated with keys that do not have a transponder. However, thieves have also devised methods to break into and steal cars that are equipped with transponder keys.
A locksmith can usually assist you in replacing a lost or damaged transponder key. They'll need the details of your particular vehicle, including the VIN number, model and year. Then, they'll cut a new one or program the current one to the car's system. This is a more expensive procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement keys.
Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and duplicate transponder keys but they aren't capable of reprogramming chips in the key. If you want to be sure that a professional is able to complete the job, contact an experienced and trusted locksmith company.
Before the advent of technology like this it was quite easy to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a vehicle. This method of stealing vehicles was widespread and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive away with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have drastically reduced the risk of this crime, but they haven't completely eliminated it.
You can call a professional to do this for you if you require an alternative transponder key or if you've lost one. The cost will be more than a standard key, but it is a much safer and more secure method to ensure that your car cannot be started by someone else.
Keyless Entry System
As more and more people demand convenience, safety and security, car key fobs have become a common feature. These tiny transmitters can open doors, set off the alarm that sounds a panic or open the trunk and even start your engine without needing to have a physical key in your hand. They can be thrown around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. That means they're expensive to replace, and you may require fob programming to connect your new one with your vehicle.
A basic key fob costs about ten dollars to cut at an hardware store, but the most recent smart keys aren't cheap when you need to buy the keys and have them programmed. You should expect to pay between $200 and $500 on the replacement key fob. This includes the cost of having it cut and programmed to fit in your car.
Some advanced car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as an actual key. By using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car and you can also switch on and off, activate your parking brake, and perform other things depending on your proximity to the car. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas or if you have kids and are worried about children leaving the car unattended.
Certain of these systems are costly however, they're more secure than a regular car key since they monitor your location and stop you from accidentally locking the car or turning the engine on in case you're not close enough. They can also assist you to find your car in a parking garage, and some can warn you if the doors have been shut or opened.
These systems can also be useful for businesses such as property managers who manage vacation rentals or offices. These systems can allow them to monitor access rights of guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance personnel, while ensuring that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get in and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people feel they must visit a dealer when keys are missing. They'll have to show proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be purchased from the manufacturer, which could take a few days. However, a dealer can usually get the job done for you quicker than locksmiths, and they might have lower prices, too.
The key fob might need to be programmed for your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by reading the owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors and turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It could even require pressing a set of buttons which act as a code. This can often be done by the driver, but it's always better to let a technician take care of it.
The cost can also be dependent on the year, model and year of vehicle. The cost of the service could be affected by the year, make and model of the vehicle.
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, Chrysler and Nissan have a wide number of models and are more familiar with the keys for the models they sell.
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. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn, and Eagle. Typically, these keys need to be reprogrammed and can be more difficult and more expensive than replacing the key itself.
In general, if you have a spare key, it is usually best to duplicate it at a specialist instead of getting an exchange from the dealer. So, you don't have to worry about having to pay for the higher after-hours or weekend rates. Then, if you do lose your keys you can rest easy knowing that the key cloned will function.