Car Keys Replacement Cost
Not long ago, misplacing your car keys was not a big deal. You could take your spare keys to an a key cutter and buy a new one for $10 or less.
Today, however the process is more complicated and expensive. Learn about the various types and costs of keys for cars.
Basic Key Fob
A key fob can be described as an electronic remote control and 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, roll down windows, and possibly even start your car. The key fob has a built-in electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard computer system to control functions such as the starter.
Basic key fobs are usually made from standard plastic, and use a regular lock and key mechanism. They're the same as those that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob may cost between $50 and $100, but the actual price is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one.
You'll likely have to visit the dealer if your car is more than five years old. Many newer cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will usually be able to do this for less though.
The cost of your fob can also depend on the type you own. Older cars use mechanical key fobs while the latest models use transponder keys. Key fobs of both types can come with a variety of functions. They may include keyless entry that locks and unlocks your car automatically or rolling codes that are updated frequently to keep thieves from intercepting the data on the key fob.
You might be able to purchase an aftermarket key fob online for less than the price you'd pay at the dealer, but these may not work with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from interacting with third party devices. Some dealerships will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in but there's a good chance it won't continue to work.
You can get information on programming your key fob by searching the website of the manufacturer or the owner's guide. Try to do this yourself first before paying a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also check your vehicle's warranty and auto-insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of replacing a key fob.
Transponder Key
The majority of newer cars have keys of a different type, known as a transponder key. They have a chip embedded in the head of the key that transmits a signal to the vehicle when it is put into 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 due to transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it doesn't receive the right signal from the key. This technology was designed to stop car theft since it is almost impossible to duplicate keys without the appropriate equipment.
Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers which prevent them from starting when they are operated by a key that is not transponder. However, car thieves have also devised ways to steal and break into vehicles that have transponder keys.
A locksmith can assist you replace your transponder key if it's damaged or stolen. They will need to have the details about your specific vehicle, including the VIN number, model and year. Then, they'll either cut a new key or program the existing one to your car's security system. This is a little more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a replacement key.
Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and copy transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming chips in the key. You should contact an experienced and reliable locksmith service to be sure that a professional is competent to complete the task.
Before the advent of this technology it was fairly easy for someone to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a car. This technique was used to steal cars and allowed criminals drive away with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening, but it is not completely eliminated.
You can contact a professional to do this for you if you require a replacement transponder key, or if you lost yours. It's more expensive than a standard one, but it's a safer and more secure option to ensure that anyone else is unable to start your car.
Keyless Entry System
Car key fobs are becoming a standard feature of vehicles, as more and more people seek convenience, safety and security. These tiny transmitters can open doors, set off the alarm that sounds a panic, open the trunk, and even start your car without having to carry a physical key in your hands. They are easily tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. It's costly to replace them, and you might need to program your new fob to connect it with your vehicle.
A basic key fob costs around ten dollars to cut at an hardware store, but the latest smart keys can be expensive if you're looking to purchase them and have them programmed. Based on the make and model you can expect to shell out between $200 to $500 to replace a fob and the cost of having it cut and programmed to your vehicle.
There are other more advanced car keys systems that let you use your smartphone as an actual key. By using the app on your smartphone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car, and you can also turn your lights on and off, activate your parking brake, and do other things based on your proximity to the car. They are perfect for people who reside in urban areas, or even parents who are concerned about your children leaving the car unattended.
Some of these systems are costly however they're also more secure than a standard car key because they can track your location and prevent you from locking the car or turning on the engine if you're too far away. They can also help you locate your car inside parking garages and even alert you if the doors have been open or closed.
These systems can also be useful for businesses like property managers who oversee offices or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to monitor the access rights of guests cleaners, guests, and maintenance personnel, while ensuring that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get into and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people may feel that they need to go to the dealer if keys go missing. The dealer will ask for proof of ownership and purchase keys from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. g28carkeys.co.uk can usually do the job quicker than a locksmith and could even charge 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 your owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors and turning lights and other electronic components on and off. It could also involve pressing a series of buttons which acts as the code. Most of the time, this is performed by the driver, but it is always better to have a technician handle it.
The cost is also affected by the year, make and model of vehicle. Newer cars have advanced transponder chips that require pairing with the car by a locksmith or dealer and the process may be more costly.
A dealer who sells a particular model will be more likely to be able to replace keys for that model. Some of the larger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a wide number of models, and are more familiar with the keys for those models.
Other brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have been shut down or that are old enough that they no longer manufacture keys are listed. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are a few of the companies that are older and have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. These keys are usually reprogrammed. This can be more expensive and difficult than replacing the key.
It is recommended that you get your spare key copied by a professional instead of getting an entirely new one from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay for the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys you can be sure that the cloned key will work.