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Car Keys Replacement Cost It wasn't too long ago that misplacing car keys was not a big issue. You could take your spare to an a key cutter and buy a new one for $10 or less. Nowadays, however, the process can be more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the different types of keys for cars and how they can cost you to replace. Basic Key Fob A key fob is a remote control and an actual key in one. It's a small, plastic device equipped with a button which can be pushed to open doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, open windows, roll them down, and possibly even start your car. The key fob also has an embedded electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard system to manage functions like the starter. A basic key fob is usually made of standard plastic and employs a lock-and key mechanism, like the type you'd find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob can cost anywhere between $50 and $100, but you'll pay more if you need to replace one that's lost or damaged. If your car was built within the past five years, chances are you'll need to go to the dealership to get a replacement fob as many newer vehicles require specialized equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or key shop typically can do this for less however. The kind of fob you own can affect the price. Older vehicles have mechanical keys, while the most recent models utilize transponder keys. Key fobs of both kinds are able to be fitted with a variety of features. They could include keyless entry that locks and unlocks your vehicle automatically or rolling codes that change frequently to keep thieves from stealing the information on your key fob. You may be able to purchase an aftermarket key fob online for less than what you'd pay at a dealership however they might not work with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from interacting with third party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in, but there's a good chance that it won't function. Read the owner's manual for your model or search the manufacturer's website for more information on programming your specific model's key fob. It's a good idea to try this yourself before heading to the dealership or paying an expert locksmith. You can also check your car's warranty, roadside assistance and auto-insurance policy to see if they cover the costs of a replacement key fob. Transponder Key Most modern cars utilize keys that are known as a transponder key. The keys have an embedded chip in the head of the key that transmits a signal to the vehicle when it is placed in 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 a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it does not receive an appropriate signal from the key. This technology was created to prevent theft of cars because it is almost impossible to duplicate keys without the appropriate equipment. Additionally, many vehicles also have immobilizer systems that prevent them from starting if a non-transponder key is used. Car thieves have devised ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems. A locksmith will usually be able to help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They'll need information about your vehicle like the VIN number and model. They'll either program the key you have to the car's system or cut a new one. This is a more costly process than having a dealership cut and program replacement keys. replacement car fob key as AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and duplicate transponder keys but may not be capable of reprogramming chips in the key. If you want to ensure that a professional can handle the job, contact an experienced and trusted locksmith business. Before the advent of this technology it was quite easy for someone to make duplicate keys for cars and then hot wire a vehicle. This technique was used to steal cars, and it allowed criminals drive away with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have significantly reduced the risk of this crime, but it isn't entirely eliminated it. If you need a replacement transponder key or you have lost yours, the best choice is to call an expert and have them make it for you. The cost will be more than a standard key, however it's a safer and better method to ensure that your car can't be started by anyone else. Keyless Entry System Car key fobs are now an everyday feature in cars as more people want convenience, security and security. They can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, open the trunk, or start the engine without having an actual key. But they can also be subject to a lot of abuse from being tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen than traditional keys. This means they're costly to replace, and you may require fob programming to connect your new key with your vehicle. The cost of cutting a standard key fob at an hardware store is around 10 dollars. However, the latest smart keys can be expensive if you must purchase them as well as programme them. Based on your car's model and make you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 to replace a fob and the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car. There are also more advanced car key systems that allow you to use your smartphone as a key. 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, and perform other tasks based on how close you are to the vehicle. These are great for people who reside in urban areas, or even if you're a parent that's worried about your children leaving the car unattended. Certain of these systems are expensive however they're also more secure than a standard car key because they can track your location and prevent you from accidentally locking the car or turning the engine on when you're far away. 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 kinds of systems could also be beneficial for businesses, like property managers who manage office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems are able to monitor the access rights for guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance workers, while ensuring that only those who have the appropriate permissions are allowed to get in and out of the space. Dealership Some people believe they need to go to the dealer if their keys are missing. They will need to show proof of ownership, and occasionally keys must be ordered from the manufacturer, which could take a few days. A dealer is usually able to complete the job more quickly than a locksmith and could even cost less. It is likely that the key fob will still need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done through the dealer or looking up the owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors, and turning off the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It could even involve pressing a combination of buttons that functions as a code. Often, this can be performed by the driver but it is better to have a technician handle it. The cost is also affected by the year, make and model of vehicle. Modern cars come with high-tech transponder chips that will require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith dealer and the process may be more costly. A dealer who sells a specific model of car is more likely to have the knowledge to replace keys for the model. Some of the larger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge variety of models and are more acquainted with the keys for the models they sell. Other brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have been shut down or are old enough that they no longer manufacture keys are included. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. Typically, these kinds of keys have to be reprogrammed which is more difficult and more expensive than replacing the key itself. It is recommended that you get your spare key copied by a professional instead of purchasing another one from the dealer. You will avoid paying higher rates for after-hours and weekend services. If you lose your keys you can be assured that the cloned key will work.