Car Keys Replacement Cost
A few years ago, losing your keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutting shop for a new one that cost less than $10.
Nevertheless the process has become more complicated and costly. Learn about the different types and costs for keys for cars.
Basic Key Fob
Key fobs are a remote and key in one. It's a small, plastic piece with a button you can press to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, open windows, roll them down, and possibly even start your car. The key fob comes with an electronic chip in it that communicates with your car's onboard systems to regulate functions such as the starter.
A basic key fob is usually made of plastic and employs a lock-and key mechanism, like the type you'd find on a vintage Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob could cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but the actual cost comes when you have to replace a damaged or lost one.
You'll likely have to visit the dealer if the car is newer than five years. A lot of newer vehicles require special equipment to code and programme new keys. Locksmiths or key shops typically can do this for less, however.
The cost of the fob you purchase can also be affected by the type you own. Older vehicles use mechanical key fobs, while the latest models usually have transponder keys or smart keys. Both are able to have a range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car instantly to rolling codes that change regularly to deter thieves from intercepting and using your car's key fob data.
Key fobs that are available online could be less expensive than ones you can purchase from a dealer, but they might not work with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru, have security chips inside their key fobs, which prevent them from working with third-party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob if it's brought in, but it's likely that it won't function.
Go through your owner's manual or visit the manufacturer's website to find information about programming your particular model's key fob. It's worth trying to do this yourself before heading to the dealer or hiring an expert locksmith to do it. You can also look at the warranty of your vehicle, the roadside assistance and auto-insurance coverage to see if these will cover the cost of a replacement key fob.
Transponder Key
Transponder keys are found in the majority of modern cars. These keys contain a chip embedded in the key's head that sends a signal to the vehicle when it is inserted into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and starting the engine. This key type is more secure than traditional flat metal keys due to transponder chips stop the car from starting if it fails to receive the right signal from the key. This technology was designed to stop car theft since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the right equipment.
Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers that prevent them from being started when they are operated with a key that is not transponder. Car thieves have devised ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems.
A locksmith can help you to replace your transponder keys if it is damaged or lost. They'll need information about your vehicle, such as the VIN number and model. They can then either program the key you have to the car's system or cut new keys. This is a more expensive procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement keys.
Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can cut and copy transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming the chip inside the key. It is best to call a reputable and experienced locksmith firm to be sure that a professional is able to handle the task.
It was fairly easy to make duplicate keys for a car and hot-wire a vehicle before the advent of this latest technology. This method of stealing cars was very common and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive off with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have significantly reduced this crime, but it isn't entirely eliminated it.
You can get a professional to do this for you if you need an extra transponder key or if you've lost one. The cost will be higher than a conventional key, but it's a safer and better way to ensure that your car cannot be started by someone else.
Keyless Entry System
As increasing numbers of people want convenience, security and safety keys for their cars are now a standard feature. They can open doors, activate the panic alarm, open the trunk, or even start the engine without having the physical key. But they can also take a lot of abuse from being tossed around, and they're more likely to get lost or stolen than the metal keys. It's costly to replace them, and you might need to program your new key to pair it with your vehicle.
A standard key fob can cost about ten dollars to get cut at the hardware store, however the most recent smart keys can be expensive if you want to purchase them and have them programmed. Based on your car's model and make, you can expect to shell out between $200 to $500 for a replacement fob, and the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car.
Certain advanced car key systems allow you to use your phone as keys. You can lock or unlock your car remotely using the app that you have installed on your smartphone. You can also turn off and on your lights, activate your parking break, as well as perform other tasks based on the distance you're to your vehicle. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas, or parents who are concerned about your children leaving the car unattended.
Some of these systems are expensive however they're also more secure than a regular car key since they monitor your location and stop you from accidentally locking your car or turning off the engine if you're too far away. They can also assist you to find your car in parking garages and can even warn you if the doors have been shut or opened.
vehicle key replacement of systems can also be beneficial for businesses, like property managers who oversee office space or vacation rentals. These systems permit them to monitor access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those with permissions are allowed in and out.
Dealership
Some people might feel that they must go to the dealership when keys go missing. Dealers will ask for proof of ownership and request the key from the manufacturer. This could take several days. A dealer can usually do the job faster than a locksmith and may even cost less.
It is likely that the key fob will need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by reading the owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors, as well as switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a series of buttons which act as codes. This is often handled by the driver, but it's best to let a technician take care of it.
The cost can also be affected by the year, make and type of vehicle. The cost of the service could be affected by the year, model and model of the vehicle.
A dealer that sells a specific model of car is more likely know how to replace keys for that vehicle. Some of the bigger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge number of models, and are more acquainted with the keys for those models.
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. The keys are typically modified. This is more expensive and difficult than replacing the key.
In general, if you have a spare key it is best to have it cloned at a specialist instead of getting a replacement from the dealer. You can avoid paying the more expensive rates for after-hours or weekend services. If you do lose your keys you can rest easy knowing that the cloned key will function.