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Car Keys Replacement Cost It wasn't too long ago that losing car keys was not a big issue. You could take your spare to a key cutter and get a new one for $10 or less. Nevertheless, the process has become more complex and expensive. Learn about the various types and costs of car keys. Basic Key Fob A key fob is an remote control as well as an actual key in one. It's a small, plastic device equipped with a button which you can press to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, roll down windows, and possibly even start the vehicle. The key fob has an electronic chip in it that communicates with your car's onboard systems to control functions like the starter. Key fobs for basic use are typically made from standard plastic, and use a regular lock and key mechanism. These are identical to those that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob may cost anything from $50 to $100, but the true price is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one. You'll likely need 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 can usually do this for less though. The type of fob you have can affect the price. Older vehicles use mechanical key fobs, whereas the latest models usually have transponder keys or smart keys. Key fobs of both kinds can come with a variety of features. They could include keyless entry, which locks and unlocks your car automatically, or rolling codes that are updated regularly to prevent thieves from stealing the data on the key fob. You may be able to purchase an aftermarket key fob online at a lower cost than what you'd pay at the dealership however they might not be compatible with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from working with third party devices. Some dealers can program an aftermarket key fob when it's brought in, however it's highly unlikely that it will function. Read the owner's manual for your model or go to the manufacturer's site for information on programming your specific model's key fob. It's a good idea to try this yourself prior to going to the dealer or hiring a locksmith to do it. You can also look into your car's warranty and auto insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of a new key fob. Transponder Key Transponder keys are found in most newer cars. They have a chip embedded in the key's head which transmits a signal the vehicle when it is put into the ignition cylinder. The signal is used to unlock the car and start the engine. This key type is more secure than conventional flat metal keys since transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it doesn't receive a signal from the correct key. This technology was designed to reduce car theft because it is virtually impossible to duplicate keys without the appropriate equipment. Many cars are also equipped with immobilizers that stop them from starting when they are operated with keys that do not have a transponder. Car thieves have developed methods of stealing cars with transponder key systems. A locksmith can assist you repair your transponder key in the event that it's damaged or lost. They'll require the details about your specific vehicle, such as the VIN number, model and year. They'll either program your existing key to the car's system or cut an entirely new one. This is a more costly process than having a dealership cut and program replacement keys. Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and copy transponder keys but may not be capable of reprogramming the chip inside the key. If you want to ensure that a professional can handle the task, you should call a reputable and experienced locksmith company. It was relatively easy to create a duplicate key for a car and then wire a vehicle prior to the advent of this modern technology. This method of stealing vehicles was common and allowed criminals to enter and drive away with stolen vehicles. The introduction of the transponder key has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening however, it's not completely eliminated. You can contact a professional to do this for you in the event that you require a replacement transponder key, or if you've lost one. It will cost more than a standard key, however it's a safer and better alternative to ensure that someone else will not be able to start your car. Keyless Entry System Car key fobs are now an everyday feature in cars, as more and more people want convenience, safety and security. These little transmitters can unlock doors, set off the panic alarm and open the trunk and even start your car without having the physical key in your hands. They can be tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. key replacement car to replace them, and you may need to program your new key to pair it with your vehicle. The cost of cutting a basic fob for a key at a hardware store is about ten dollars. However, the latest smart keys can be costly when you need to purchase them and then program them. Based on the model and make you can expect to pay between $200 to $500 for a replacement fob in addition to the cost of cutting it and programming it to your vehicle. Some sophisticated car key systems allow you to make use of your smartphone as an actual key. You can lock or unlock your vehicle remotely using the app that you have installed on your smartphone. You can also turn on and off your lights, turn on your parking break, and do other things based on the proximity to your car. They are perfect for people who reside in urban areas or even parents who are worried about your children leaving the car without supervision. Some of these systems can be costly, but they are more secure than a regular car key. They keep track of your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car when you are far away. They also can help you locate your car inside parking garages and can even warn you if the doors are open or closed. These systems can also be useful for businesses like property managers who oversee office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems are able to monitor the access rights for guests cleaners, guests, and maintenance workers, while ensuring that only those with the right permissions can get into and out of the space. Dealership Some people may think that they must go to the dealership when their keys disappear. They'll have to show proof of ownership, and occasionally the key has to be purchased from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. However, a dealer can generally complete the task for you quicker than locksmiths, and they might have lower prices, too. The key fob could require programming for your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by reading the owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors and turning lights and other electronics on and off. It can even require pressing a set of buttons that acts like an electronic code. Often, this can be performed by the driver, however, it is best to have a technician do it. The year the model, make and year of the car will affect the price, too. The cost of the service can also be affected by the year, make and model of the vehicle. A dealer that sells a specific brand of car is more likely be able to replace the keys for the vehicle. Some of the larger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have a variety of models and are well-versed in keys. Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes a few 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. These keys are usually reprogrammed. This can be more expensive and complicated than replacing the key. It is recommended to have your spare key cloned by a specialist rather than purchasing another one from a dealer. You will not have to pay the higher prices for after-hours and weekend services. If you do lose your keys, you can rest assured that the key cloned will function.