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Car Keys Replacement Cost Not long ago, misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could bring your spare to a key cutter and get a new one for $10 or less. Nowadays, however, the process is more complex and costly. Read on to learn about the various kinds of keys for cars and how they'll cost you to replace them. Basic Key Fob A key fob is an remote control as well as a key in one. It's a small, plastic device with a button that you can push to unlock doors, open the hatchback or trunk, open windows, roll them down and, possibly, even start the vehicle. The key fob also comes with an electronic chip inside that communicates with the car's onboard system to control functions like the starter. Basic key fobs are usually made from standard plastic, and are fitted with a standard lock and key mechanism. They're similar to the ones that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob will cost anywhere between $50-$100, but you'll be charged more if you need to replace one that's damaged or lost. If your car was made within the last five years, the chances that you'll have to go to the dealership for a replacement fob as many newer cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will typically be capable of doing this for less. The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older vehicles have mechanical key fobs, while most recent models utilize transponder keys. Both of these types are able to have a range of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car in a controlled manner to rolling codes that change regularly to deter thieves from intercepting and using the data from your key fob. Key fobs that are available online could be less expensive than ones you can buy at the dealer, but they might not work on your car. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips in their key fobs, which prevent them from working with devices that are not third-party. Some dealers will program a second-hand key fob when it's brought in, but it's likely that it won't work. Check your owner's manual or go to the manufacturer's site for information about programming your particular model's key fob. 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 vehicle's warranty and auto-insurance policy to see whether they will cover the cost of a brand new key fob. Transponder Key Most modern cars utilize keys that are known as a transponder key. The keys contain embedded chips in the head that sends a message to the vehicle once it is inserted in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and for starting the engine. This type of key is more secure than traditional flat metal keys due to transponder chips prevent the car from starting if it fails to receive a signal from the correct key. This technology was created to stop car theft since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these keys without the right equipment. Many cars are also equipped with immobilizers that stop them from being started when they are operated by keys that do not have a transponder. However, car thieves have also developed methods to steal and break into vehicles that have transponder keys. A locksmith can help you to replace your transponder keys if it's damaged or stolen. They'll need the information about your specific vehicle, such as the VIN number, model and year. They can then either program your current key to the car's computer system or cut new keys. This procedure is more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key. Some stores for automotive like AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and duplicate transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming chips in the key. If you want to ensure that a professional is able to complete the job, call a reputable and experienced locksmith service. Before the invention of this technology, it was relatively easy to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a vehicle. This method of stealing cars was frequent and allowed criminals to get into and drive away with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening however, it's not completely eliminated. You can get an expert to handle this for you in the event that you require a replacement transponder key, or if you lost yours. The cost will be higher than a traditional key but it is a much safer and more secure method to ensure that your car is not able to be started by anyone else. Keyless Entry System As increasing numbers of people want convenience, safety and security, car key fobs have become a common feature. These tiny transmitters can open doors, set off the panic alarm, open the trunk, and even start your engine without having to have a physical key in your hand. But they can also take quite a beating from being tossed around and they are more likely to be lost or stolen than metal keys. They're also expensive to replace, and you may need fob programming to pair your new key with your vehicle. A standard key fob can cost about ten dollars to cut at a hardware store, but the most recent smart keys aren't cheap when you're looking to purchase the keys and have them programmed. You can expect to spend between $200 and $500 on an alternative key fob. This includes the cost of having it cut and programmed for your vehicle. There are also G28 Car Keys advanced car key systems that allow you to make use of your smartphone as an actual key. By using the app on your phone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car and you can switch your lights on and off, as well as activate your parking brake, and do other things based on your proximity to the car. This is ideal for people who live in urban areas or if you have children and are worried about your children being in the car without supervision. Certain of these systems can be expensive however they're also more secure than a standard car key since they track your location and prevent you from accidentally locking your 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 when the doors are opened or closed. These kinds of systems could also be useful for businesses, such as property managers who oversee office spaces or vacation rentals. These systems let them control access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those with permissions are permitted to enter and exit. Dealership Some people feel they must go to the dealer if keys are missing. Dealers will ask for proof of ownership and may order the key from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. But a dealer will generally complete the task for you faster than a locksmith, and they may offer lower prices too. It is likely that the key fob will still need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done through the dealer or consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and closing doors, as well as turning on and off lights and other electronic devices. It may also require pressing a set of buttons that function as an electronic code. Most of the time, this is performed by the driver, but it is always better to have a technician handle it. The year, make and model of the car will impact the price, too. Modern cars come with high-tech transponder chips that will require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith dealer, and the process can be more expensive. A dealer who sells a particular brand of car will be more likely to have the knowledge to change keys for that model. Some of the biggest manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge number of models and are more familiar with the keys for those models. Other brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the more established brands that have been shut down or that are old enough that they no longer manufacture keys are listed. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn, and Eagle. Typically, these types of keys have to be reprogrammed which is more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself. In general, if you have a spare key, it is best to get it copied by a specialist instead of getting an exchange from the dealer. You will avoid paying higher rates for after-hours and weekend services. If you lose your keys, you can be assured that the duplicate will function.