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Car Keys Replacement Cost In the past, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could take your spare keys to a key cutter and get a new one for $10 or less. However the process has gotten more complex and expensive. Learn about the various types and costs of car keys. Basic Key Fob A key fob can be described as a remote control and key in one. It's tiny, plastic device equipped with a button which you can press to unlock doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, open windows, roll them down and maybe even start the car. The key fob has an electronic chip inside that communicates with the car's onboard system to control functions like the starter. A basic key fob is usually made of plastic and employs a lock-and key mechanism, such as the type you'd find on a vintage Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob can cost between $50 and $100, but the actual price is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one. If your car was made in the last five years, the chances that you'll have to visit the dealership for a replacement fob, since many modern cars require specialized equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will usually be able to do this for less, however. The cost of your fob could also depend on the type you own. Older vehicles have mechanical key fobs while the latest models use transponder keys. Both of these types come with a variety of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle automatically to rolling codes that change regularly to prevent thieves from taking and using the data from your key fob. Key fobs purchased online may be cheaper than those you can buy at the dealer, but they might not work with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru include security chips in their key fobs that prevent them from working with third-party devices. Some dealers will program a second-hand key fob if it's brought in, but it's likely that it won't function. You can find information about programming your key fob by looking up the site of the manufacturer or in your owner's guide. Try to do this yourself before hiring a locksmith or going to the dealer. You could also check your car's warranty, auto-insurance policy and roadside assistance policy to see if they cover the costs of a replacement key fob. Transponder Key Most newer cars use keys of a different type, known as a transponder key. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key which transmits a signal the vehicle when it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and begin the engine. This key is more secure than the traditional flat metal keys because the transponder chip stops the car from starting if it does not have the right signal. This technology was developed to stop car theft since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the appropriate equipment. Additionally, many vehicles also have immobilizer systems which prevent them from starting if the key is not transponder-compatible. However, car thieves have also devised ways to steal and break into cars with transponder keys. A locksmith can help repair your transponder key in the event that it's damaged or lost. They will need to have the details about your specific vehicle, including the VIN number along with the year, model and year. They will then either cut a new key or program the existing one to the car's system. This is a little more expensive than simply getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key. Some auto stores such as AutoZone or Walmart can cut and copy transponder keys but they aren't capable of reprogramming chips in the key. It is recommended to contact an experienced and reputable locksmith company if you want to be sure that a professional will be competent to complete the task. It was fairly easy to create duplicate keys for a car and hot-wire a vehicle before the advent of this latest technology. This method of stealing cars was frequent and allowed criminals to enter and drive away with stolen vehicles. The introduction of transponder keys has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening but it's not completely eliminated. You can get a professional to do this for you in the event that you require an alternative transponder key or if you've lost yours. It will cost more than a standard key but it's a much safer and more secure alternative to ensure that someone else will not be able to start your car. Keyless Entry System As more and more people demand convenience, safety and security, car key fobs are now a standard feature. These little transmitters can unlock doors, set off the alarm for panic, open the trunk, and even start your engine without having to carry a physical key in your hand. But they can also take quite a beating from being used in a variety of ways, and they are more likely to be lost or stolen than the metal keys. It's costly to replace keys, and you might need to program your new key to pair it with your vehicle. A basic key fob costs about ten dollars to cut at the hardware store, however the most recent smart keys aren't cheap if you want to purchase them and then have them programmed. Depending on your vehicle make and model, you can expect to shell out between $200-$500 to replace a fob plus the cost of having it cut and programmed to your car. Certain advanced car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as keys. Using the app on your smartphone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car, and you can also switch on and off, activate your parking brake, and perform other things based on your proximity to the car. This is ideal for people who reside in urban areas, or if you have kids and worry about them leaving the car unattended. replacement car key fobs of these systems can be expensive however they're also more secure than a regular car key as they locate you and prevent you from locking the car or turning on the engine when you're far away. Certain systems can assist you in finding your vehicle in a garage, while others will notify you when you open or close the doors. These systems can also be useful for businesses such as property managers who manage vacation rentals or offices. These systems are able to monitor the access rights for guests, cleaning staff, and maintenance staff, as well as ensuring that only those who have the right permissions can get into and out of the space. Dealership Some people might feel that they have to go to the dealership when their keys disappear. The dealer will ask for proof of ownership, and could purchase keys from the manufacturer. This can take several days. A dealer can usually do the job faster than a locksmith, and may 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 even require pressing a series of buttons which act as codes. This can often be done by the drivers, however it's always better to let an expert handle it. The year the model, make and year of the vehicle will have an impact on the price as well. Modern cars feature high-tech transponder chips that will need to be paired with the car by a locksmith or a dealer, and the process can be more expensive. A dealer who sells a specific model will be more likely to be able to change keys for that model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are well-versed in keys. Certain brands are difficult to work with. This includes a few of the older firms that have been shut down or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are some of the companies that are older and no longer produce keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these kinds of keys have to be reprogrammed, which can be more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself. It is recommended to get your spare key copied by a specialist rather than purchasing a new one from the dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys, you are assured that the cloned one will function.