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Car Keys Replacement Cost It wasn't too long ago that losing car keys was not a big issue. You could bring your spare key to a key cutter for an alternative that cost less than $10. Today, however the process can be more complicated and costly. Learn more about the various kinds of keys for cars and what they can cost you to replace. Basic Key Fob A key fob is a remote control and key in one. It's a small, plastic device that has a button or buttons that you can push to unlock the doors, open the trunk or hatchback, open the windows, and possibly start the car. The key fob is equipped with an electronic chip built in that communicates with your car's onboard systems to regulate functions like the starter. A basic key fob is generally made of plastic and uses a regular lock-and-key mechanism, like the kind you might find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob costs between $50 and $100, but you'll pay more if require a replacement for one that has been lost or damaged. You'll probably need to visit the dealer if the car is more than five years old. Most newer vehicles require special equipment to code and programme new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop will usually be in a position to provide this service for less. The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older vehicles use mechanical keys, whereas the latest models usually have transponder keys or smart keys. Both can have a wide range of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle instantly to rolling codes that are updated regularly to prevent thieves from taking and using your car's key fob data. You may be able to buy an aftermarket key fob online at a lower cost than what you'd pay at the dealer however they might not work with your car. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from interacting with third party devices. Some dealerships can program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in but there's a good chance that it won't work. Check your owner's manual or go to the manufacturer's site for more information on programming your specific model's key fob. It's worth trying this yourself before going to the dealership or paying an expert locksmith to do it. You can also check the warranty of your vehicle, the roadside assistance policy, and auto-insurance coverage to determine if they cover the costs of a replacement key fob. Transponder Key Transponder keys are used in most newer cars. These keys contain a chip embedded in the head of the key which transmits a signal the vehicle when it is put into the ignition cylinder. key replacements car is used to unlock the car and begin the engine. This type of key is more secure than standard flat metal keys because transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it does not receive the right signal from the key. This technology was developed to reduce car theft because it is almost impossible to duplicate these keys without the proper equipment. Many cars are also equipped with immobilizers that prevent them from starting if they are used with keys that are not transponder. Car thieves have come up with ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems. A locksmith is usually able to assist you in replacing the damaged or lost transponder key. They'll need details of your vehicle including the VIN number and model. Then, they'll cut a new one or program the current one to your car's system. This is a little more expensive than simply having a car dealership cut and program a new key. Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart are also able to cut and copy the transponder key, however they might not be capable of reprogramming the chip inside the key. If you want to be sure that a professional is able to complete the job, contact an experienced and trusted locksmith business. Before the invention of technology like this it was fairly simple to create duplicate keys for cars and then hot wire a car. This method was used to steal cars and it allowed criminals drive away with stolen vehicles. The introduction of transponder keys has greatly reduced this activity, but it is not completely eliminated. If you need a replacement transponder key or you have lost yours, the best solution is to contact an expert and have them do it for you. The cost will be more than a standard key, however it's a safer and more secure method to ensure that your vehicle is not able to be started by anyone else. Keyless Entry System As increasing numbers of people seek security, convenience, and safety, car key fobs have become a standard feature. These little transmitters can unlock doors, activate the panic alarm or open the trunk and even start your car without having to have a physical key in your hand. But they can also endure quite a beating from being tossed around, and are more likely to get lost or stolen than traditional keys. They're also expensive to replace, and you may need fob programming to pair your new one with your vehicle. The cost of cutting a standard key fob in a hardware store is about 10 dollars. However, the latest smart keys can be expensive if you must purchase them and then program them. Depending on your vehicle make and model you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 to replace a fob plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car. Some advanced car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as keys. You can lock or unlock your vehicle remotely using the app on your phone. You can also turn off and on your lights, activate your parking break, and do other things based on how close you are to your car. This is ideal for people who reside in urban areas or if you have children and worry about your children being in the car without supervision. Certain of these systems may be costly, but they are more secure than a regular car key. They monitor your location to stop you from locking or opening the car when you are too far away. Certain systems will help you locate your car in a garage and others can notify you when you open or close the doors. These systems are also beneficial for businesses like property managers who manage offices or vacation rentals. These systems can allow them to monitor the access rights of guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance workers, while ensuring that only those with the proper permissions can go into and out of the space. Dealership Some people may think that they must visit a dealership if their keys disappear. Dealers will ask for proof of ownership, and could purchase keys from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. However, a dealer can generally complete the task for you quicker than a locksmith, and they may have cheaper prices, too. The key fob may still require to be programmed for your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership, or by reading your owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors, and turning on and off lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a set of buttons which act as codes. This is usually handled by the drivers, however it is always best to let a technician take care of it. The year the model, make and year of the car will affect the price, too. Newer cars have sophisticated transponder chips which will need to be paired with the car by a locksmith or a dealer, and the process can be more costly. A dealer who sells a specific model of vehicle is more likely to know how to replace keys for that particular vehicle. Some of the biggest manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota and Chrysler, have many models and are well-versed in keys. Other brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the more established brands that have shut down or are so old that they no longer make keys are listed. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are among the more established companies that have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. The keys are typically reprogrammed. This can be more expensive and time-consuming than replacing the key. It is recommended to have your spare key cloned by a specialist rather than getting an entirely new one from the dealer. So, you don't have to worry about having to pay the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. Then, if you lose your keys, you can rest easy knowing that the cloned key will work.