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Car Keys Replacement Cost Not long ago, misplacing your car keys was not an issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutter and get a new one that cost less than $10. Today, however the process is more complicated and expensive. Learn more about the various kinds of car keys and how they'll cost you to replace them. Basic Key Fob A key fob is a remote control and an actual key in one. It's a tiny plastic device that contains buttons or buttons that you can push to unlock the doors and trunk, open the hatchback, lower the windows, and possibly start the car. The key fob has an electronic chip embedded that communicates with your car's onboard systems for controlling functions like the starter. Basic key fobs are usually made from standard plastic, and utilize a standard lock and key mechanism. They're identical to those found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob will cost between $50-$100, but you'll pay more if need to replace one that has been lost or damaged. If your car was made in the last five years, the chances that you'll have to visit the dealership to get a replacement fob as many newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. Locksmiths or key shops will usually be able to perform this task for less, however. The type of fob you're using can also impact the cost. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, while the most recent models typically have transponder keys or smart keys. Both come with a variety of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car in a controlled manner to changing codes on a regular basis to deter thieves from intercepting and using the key fob information of your car. You may be able to purchase an aftermarket key fob for less than what you'd pay at a dealership, but these may not work with your car. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop 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 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. It's worth trying to do this yourself before heading to the dealership or hiring an expert locksmith to do it. You may also want to check your car's warranty and auto insurance policy to see whether they cover the cost of replacing a key fob. Transponder Key Transponder keys are used in the majority of modern cars. These keys contain a chip embedded in the key's head that sends a signal to the vehicle when it is put into the ignition cylinder. The signal is used to unlock the car and start the engine. This key is more secure than the traditional flat metal keys because the transponder chip blocks cars from starting if it does not have the right signal. This technology was created to stop car theft since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these keys without the proper equipment. In addition, many cars also have immobilizer systems which prevent them from starting when keys that are not transponder compatible are used. However, car thieves have also developed methods to gain access and steal cars that are equipped with transponder keys. A locksmith can help you repair your transponder key in the event that it's damaged or stolen. They'll require the information about your specific vehicle, including the VIN number along with the year, model and year. They'll either program your current key to the car's computer system or cut an entirely new one. This procedure is more expensive than simply getting a car dealership to cut and program a replacement key. Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart, are also capable of cutting and re-copying the transponder key, however they might not be able to reprogram the chip inside the key. If you want to be sure that a professional can handle the job, call a reputable and experienced locksmith business. It was quite simple to make a duplicate key for a car, and then hot-wire a car prior to the advent of this modern technology. This technique was used to steal cars and permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. The introduction of the transponder key has greatly reduced this activity but it's not completely eliminated. If spare car key replacement need a new transponder key or you have lost yours, the best choice is to contact a professional and have them make it for you. The cost will be higher than a standard key, but it is a much safer and better way to ensure that your vehicle is not able to be started by anyone else. Keyless Entry System Car key fobs are now a standard feature of vehicles, as more and more people seek convenience, safety, and security. These tiny transmitters can open doors, activate the panic alarm, open the trunk, and even start your car without having to have a physical key in your hand. However, they also take quite a beating from being tossed around, and they are more likely to be lost or stolen than metal keys. It's expensive to replace them, and you may need to program your new fob to pair it with your vehicle. The cost of cutting a basic key fob in a hardware shop is around 10 dollars. However, the latest smart keys can be costly when you need to purchase them, as well as program them. Based on your car's model and make you could expect to shell out between $200-$500 for a replacement fob, and the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car. There are also more advanced car key systems that let you use your smartphone as a key. Using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car and you can switch your lights on and off, turn off your parking brake, and perform other things based on the proximity of your car. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas or if you have kids and are worried about children leaving the car unattended. Certain of these systems can be expensive however, they're more secure than a regular car key because they can monitor your location and stop you from accidentally locking your car or turning off the engine in case you're not close enough. They can also help you locate your car inside parking garages and even alert you if the doors are open or closed. These systems are also beneficial for companies such as property managers who manage vacation rentals or offices. These systems permit them to control access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those who have permissions are permitted to enter and exit. Dealership Some people might feel that they need to visit a dealership if keys go missing. Dealers will ask for proof of ownership and purchase the key from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. But a dealer will usually get the job done for you much faster than a locksmith, and they may offer 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 the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It could even require pressing a series of buttons which act as codes. This is often handled by the driver, but it is always best to let a technician take care of it. The year the model, make and year of the car will have an impact on the cost as well. Newer cars have sophisticated transponder chips which will need to be paired with the vehicle by a locksmith dealer and the process may be more costly. A dealer that sells a certain model will be more likely to be able to change keys for that model. Some of the larger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge variety of models and are more familiar with the keys that are used for those models. Other brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have shut down or are so old that they no longer make keys are listed. This includes Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. Typically, these keys need to be reprogrammed which is more difficult and more expensive than replacing the key itself. It is recommended to have your spare key cloned by a professional rather than getting an entirely new one from a 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 duplicate will function.