Car Keys Replacement Cost
A few years ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could take your spare to a key cutter and get a new one for just $10 or less.
However the process has gotten more complex and expensive. Find out about the various kinds and costs for car keys.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob can be described as a remote and key in one. It's tiny, plastic device with a button you can push to unlock doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, lower windows and, possibly, even start the vehicle. The key fob has an electronic chip in it that communicates with your car's onboard systems for controlling functions such as the starter.
A basic key fob is typically constructed of plastic that utilizes a standard lock-and-key mechanism, like the kind you might find on a vintage Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob may cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but the true price is when you need to replace a lost or damaged one.
If your car was built in the last five years, the chances are that you'll need to visit the dealer to get a replacement fob as many newer cars require specialized equipment to program and code new keys. A locksmith or key shop will typically be capable of doing this at a lower cost.
The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older vehicles have mechanical keys, while the most recent models utilize transponder keys. Both come with a variety of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle in a controlled manner to rolling codes that change regularly to deter thieves from intercepting and stealing the key fob information of your car.
Key fobs that are available online could be less expensive than ones you can buy at the dealer, but they might not work on your car. Some manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips in their key fobs, which prevent them from working with devices that are not third-party. Some dealerships will program an aftermarket fob if you bring it in however there's a high chance 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 guide. You should try to do this yourself prior to paying a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also check the warranty on your vehicle and the auto-insurance policy to determine whether they cover the cost of a brand new key fob.
Transponder Key
Most modern cars utilize a type of key called transponder keys. The keys have an embedded chip in the head of the key that sends a signal to the vehicle when it is inserted into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and start the engine. This type of key is more secure than conventional flat metal keys because transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it doesn't receive the right signal from the key. This technology was designed to prevent theft of cars since it is almost impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the proper equipment.
Additionally, many vehicles also come with immobilizer systems that stop them from starting when a non-transponder key is used. However, car criminals have also come up with ways to steal and break into cars that are equipped with transponder keys.
A locksmith can help you to replace your transponder keys if it's damaged or stolen. They'll require the information about your specific vehicle, such as the VIN number as well as the model and year. They will then either cut a new key or program the existing one to the car's system. This is a more expensive process than having a dealership cut and program replacement keys.
Some stores for automotive, such as AutoZone and Walmart are also capable of cutting and copying the transponder key, however they may not be capable of reprogramming the chip inside the key. You should contact an experienced and reliable locksmith service to ensure that a professional will be able to handle the task.
Before the advent of this technology it was quite easy to make a duplicate car key and then hot wire a car. This method of stealing cars was very frequent and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive away with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has drastically reduced this crime, but it is not completely eliminated.
You can call a professional to do this for you in the event that you require an extra transponder key or if you've lost yours. The cost will be higher than a standard key, but it is a much safer and better way to ensure that your vehicle cannot be started by someone else.
Keyless Entry System
As increasing numbers of people want security, convenience, and safety, car key fobs are now a standard feature. They can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, open the trunk, or even start the engine without having the physical key. But they can also endure some abuse from being used in a variety of ways, and are more likely to get lost or stolen than the metal keys. It's expensive to replace keys, and you might have to program your new fob to pair it with your vehicle.
A standard key fob can cost around ten dollars to get cut at an hardware store, but the most recent smart keys aren't cheap when you're looking to purchase them and have them programmed. You should expect to pay between $200 and $500 on an alternative key fob. This includes the cost of having it cut and programmed for your car.
There are additionally more advanced car key systems that let you use your smartphone as a key. You can lock or unlock your vehicle via the app on your phone. You can also turn off and on your lights, activate your parking break, as well as perform other tasks depending on the distance you're to the vehicle. They are perfect for people who live in urban areas, or if you're a parent that's worried about your children leaving the car unattended.
Certain of these systems may be expensive, but are more secure than a standard car key. They track your location to prevent you from locking or opening the car if you're far away. Some of these systems can assist you in finding your vehicle in a garage, while others can notify you when you shut or open the doors.
These kinds of systems could also be beneficial to businesses, like property managers who manage office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems are able to monitor the access rights of guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance staff, as well as ensuring that only those who have the right permissions can get in and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people feel they must go to the dealer when their keys are missing. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and sometimes the key has to be purchased from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. But a dealer can also typically complete the task for you much faster than a locksmith, and they may have cheaper prices, too.
The key fob could require to be programmed for your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by consulting your owner's guide. It involves closing and opening doors, as well as turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It could even involve pressing a combination of buttons that acts like a code. This is often handled by the driver, but it's best to let an expert manage it.
The cost is also affected by the year, make and model of vehicle. Modern cars feature high-tech transponder chips that will need to be paired with the car by a locksmith or dealer and the process may be more expensive.
car key replacements that sells a specific model of car is more likely to be able to replace the keys for the vehicle. Some of the biggest manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have a variety of models and are familiar with keys.
Certain brands are difficult to work with. This includes some of the older companies that have shut down, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. This includes Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. Typically, these keys need to be reprogrammed which is more difficult and expensive than replacing the key itself.
It is recommended that you have your spare key cloned by a professional rather than getting a new one from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you lose your keys you are assured that the cloned one will work.