Car Keys Replacement Cost
Not long ago, misplacing your keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could take your spare to key cutters and purchase an additional one for $10 or less.
Today, however, the process is more complex and costly. Learn about the various types and costs of keys for cars.
Basic Key Fob
Key fobs are an electronic remote and a key in one. It's a small, plastic device that contains a button or buttons that you press to unlock the doors and open the trunk or hatchback, roll down the windows, and perhaps start the car. The key fob has an electronic chip in it that communicates with the car's onboard systems for controlling functions like the starter.
Key fobs for basic use are typically made from standard plastic, and use a regular lock and key mechanism. They are the same as those that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob could cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but the true price is when you need to replace a lost or damaged one.
You'll probably need to visit a dealer if your car is newer than five years. Most newer vehicles require special equipment to code and programme 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 affect the price. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, whereas modern models usually come with transponder keys or smart keys. Key fobs of both types can come with a range of features. They could include keyless entry, which locks and unlocks your car automatically, or rolling codes that are changed regularly to prevent thieves from stealing the data on the key fob.
It's possible to purchase an aftermarket key fob at a lower cost than what you'd pay at a dealership, but these may not be compatible with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips in their key fobs that prevent them from working with devices that are not third-party. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in however there's a high chance that it won't work.
You can find out more about programming your key fob by visiting the manufacturer's site or the owner's guide. It's a good idea to try this yourself before going to the dealership or hiring an expert locksmith to do it. You can also look at your vehicle's warranty, auto-insurance policy and roadside assistance coverage to see if these cover the costs of a replacement key fob.
Transponder Key
Most newer cars use a type of key called transponder keys. These keys have a chip embedded into the head that sends an information to the vehicle after it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and for starting the engine. This key is more secure than the traditional flat metal key because the transponder chip blocks cars from starting without the correct signal. This technology was designed to stop car theft since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the appropriate equipment.
Additionally, many cars also come with immobilizer systems that stop them from starting if the key is not transponder-compatible. However, car thieves have also developed ways to gain access and steal cars that are equipped with transponder keys.
A locksmith will usually be able to help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They'll require the information about your specific vehicle, including the VIN number along with the year, model and year. They'll either program the key you have to the car's computer system or cut an entirely new one. This is a more costly procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement keys.
Some stores for automotive, such as AutoZone and Walmart, are also capable of cutting and re-copying the transponder key, however they may not be in a position to reprogram the chip in the key. If you want to ensure that a professional will be able to handle the job, contact an experienced and trusted locksmith service.
It was relatively easy to create duplicate keys for a car and hot-wire a vehicle before the advent of this new technology. This method of stealing vehicles was common and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive away with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have significantly reduced this crime, but it isn't entirely eliminated it.
You can contact an expert to handle this for you if you need a replacement transponder key, or if you lost yours. The cost will be more than a traditional key but it is a much safer and better method to ensure that your car cannot be started by someone else.
Keyless Entry System
Car key fobs are becoming a standard feature in vehicles as more people want convenience, safety, and security. These tiny devices can unlock doors, set off the alarm for panic and open the trunk and even start your engine without needing the physical key in your hand. But Read Homepage can also take a lot of abuse from being tossed around and they're more likely to be lost or stolen than the metal keys. This means they're costly to replace, and you might require fob programming to connect your new key with your vehicle.
The cost of cutting a standard key fob at a hardware shop is around 10 dollars. However, the most recent smart keys can be expensive if you must purchase them and then program them. You should expect to pay between $200 and $500 on the replacement key fob. This includes the cost to have it cut and programmed for your vehicle.
Some sophisticated car key systems let you use your phone as keys. With the application on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car, and you can also turn your lights on and off, activate your parking brake, and perform other things depending on the proximity of your car. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas, or even parents who are concerned about your children leaving the car unsupervised.
Some of these systems could be expensive, but are more secure than a regular car key. They monitor your location to stop you from accidentally locking or starting the car if you are far from. Some of these systems will help you locate your car in a garage and others can alert you if you shut or open the doors.
These kinds of systems could also be useful for businesses, such as property managers who manage office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems can allow them to monitor access rights of guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance staff, as well as ensuring that only those with the proper permissions can go in and out of the space.
Dealership
Some people believe that they should visit a dealer when keys are missing. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and occasionally keys must be ordered from the manufacturer, which could take a few days. A dealer will usually complete the job quicker than a locksmith, and may even charge less.
It is likely that the key fob will still require programming to your vehicle. This can be done either through the dealer or reading the owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors and turning lights and other electronics on and off. It may even require pressing a number of buttons that act as an electronic code. This is often handled by the drivers, but it is always best to let a technician take care of it.
The year, make and model of the car will impact the price as well. The cost of the service can also be affected by the year, model and model of the vehicle.
A dealer who sells particular brand of car is more likely be able to replace the keys for that vehicle. Some of the biggest manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several 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 that are old enough that they no longer make keys are listed. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are some of the older companies that do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these types of keys require reprogramming which is more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself.
If you have a spare key, it is recommended to have it cloned at a specialist rather than getting an exchange from the dealer. You can avoid paying the higher prices for after-hours and weekend services. If you lose your keys, you are assured that the cloned one will work.