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Car Keys Replacement Cost A few years ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutting shop for the replacement key for less than $10. Nevertheless auto car key replacement has gotten more complex and expensive. Learn about the various types and costs for car keys. Basic Key Fob A key fob can be described as an remote control as well as key in one. It's a small, plastic piece with a button can be pushed to open doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, open windows, roll them down, and possibly even start the car. The key fob has an electronic chip embedded that communicates with your car's onboard systems to control functions such as the starter. Basic key fobs are constructed from plastic that is standard, and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. These are the same as those that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob can cost anything from $50 to $100, but the actual cost is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one. If your car was made in the past five years, chances are that you'll need to visit the dealer to get a replacement fob as many newer vehicles require specialized equipment to program and code new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop will usually be capable of doing this at a lower cost. The type of fob you have can also impact the cost. Older cars use mechanical keys, whereas the most recent models typically have transponder keys or smart keys. Key fobs of both kinds can come with a range of features. They can 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 your key fob. You may be able to buy an aftermarket key fob online at a lower cost than what you'd pay at the dealer, but these may not work with your vehicle. Certain manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips that block their key fobs from interacting with third party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob if 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 visiting the website of the manufacturer or the owner's guide. It is recommended to try 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 determine 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. The keys have a chip embedded in the head of the key that sends a signal to the vehicle when it is inserted into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and for starting the engine. This type of key is more secure than standard flat metal keys because a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it fails to receive the right signal from the key. This technology was designed to stop car theft since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the right equipment. Additionally, many cars also come with immobilizer systems that stop them from starting when a non-transponder key is used. However, thieves have also developed methods to steal and break into cars that are equipped with transponder keys. A locksmith can usually help you replace the damaged or lost transponder key. They will need the information about your vehicle like the VIN number and model. They will then cut a new key or program the one they have to the car's system. This is a more expensive procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement keys. Some stores for automotive like AutoZone or Walmart can cut and copy transponder keys, but they aren't capable of reprogramming chips in the key. If you want to be sure that a professional is able to complete the job, seek out a reputable and experienced locksmith company. It was fairly easy to make a duplicate key for a car, and then wire a vehicle prior to the advent of this latest technology. This technique was used to steal cars and it allowed criminals drive away with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have drastically reduced the risk of this crime, but they haven't completely eliminated it. auto key replacement can contact an expert to do this for you if you need an extra transponder key or if you've lost one. The cost will be more than a conventional key, but it's a safer and better way to ensure that your vehicle cannot be started by someone else. Keyless Entry System Car key fobs are becoming a standard feature of vehicles as more people want convenience, safety, and security. These devices can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, unlock the trunk, and even start the engine without having the physical key. They can be thrown around and are more likely to get lost or stolen. It's costly to replace them, and you may need to program your new fob to connect 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, as well as program them. You can expect to spend between $200 and $500 on an alternative key fob. This includes the cost to have it cut and programmed to fit in your car. Some sophisticated car key systems allow you to use your smartphone as an actual key. With the application on your smartphone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car, and you can switch on and off, turn off your parking brake, and perform other things depending on the proximity of your car. These are perfect for those who reside in urban areas or if you have children and worry about them leaving the car unattended. Some of these systems can be expensive, but they're also more secure than a standard car key since they locate you and prevent you from locking the car or turning the engine on in case you're not close enough. They can also help you locate your car in a parking garage and even alert you if the doors have been shut or opened. These kinds of systems can also be beneficial to companies, such as property managers that oversee office space or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to monitor access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those who have permissions are allowed to enter and exit the premises. Dealership Some people might feel that they must visit a dealership if their keys disappear. They will need to show proof of ownership, and occasionally keys must be ordered from the manufacturer which could take several days. However, a dealer can usually get the job done for you much faster than locksmiths, and they may have cheaper prices, too. It is likely that the key fob will still need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done either at the dealer or by reading the owner's manual. It involves opening and shutting doors, as well as switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a set of buttons that acts like a code. This is usually handled by the driver, but it's best to let a technician manage it. The cost can also be affected by the year, make and model of vehicle. Modern cars feature advanced transponder chips that need to be paired with the car by a locksmith or dealer and the process could be more expensive. A dealer that sells a certain model of car is more likely to have the knowledge to replace keys for that model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have a variety of models and are well-versed in the keys. Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes some of the older companies that have shut down, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are among 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 require reprogramming and can be more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself. It is best to get your spare key copied by a professional rather than purchasing an entirely new one from the dealer. That way you can avoid paying the higher after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys you can be assured that the cloned one will work.