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Car Keys Replacement Cost It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to cars was not a major issue. You could bring your spare to key cutters and purchase a new one for just $10 or less. Nowadays, however, the process can be more complicated and expensive. Find out about the various kinds and costs for car keys. Basic Key Fob A key fob can be described as an electronic remote control and an actual key in one. It's a small, plastic device with a button that you can push to unlock doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, open windows, roll them down and maybe even start the vehicle. The key fob has an electronic chip inside that communicates with the car's onboard system to manage functions like the starter. Basic key fobs are usually made of standard plastic and use a regular lock and key mechanism. These are similar to the ones that were used on the old Pontiacs and Saturns. A basic key fob will cost anywhere between $50 and $100, but you'll pay more if require a replacement for one that has been lost or damaged. You'll likely need to visit the dealer if your car is newer than five years. A lot of newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop is usually capable of doing this for less. The type of fob you're using can affect the price. Older vehicles have mechanical key fobs, while most recent models utilize transponder keys. Both types of keys come with a variety of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks your vehicle instantly to rolling codes that are updated regularly to prevent thieves from taking and using your car's key fob data. Key fobs that are available online could be less expensive than ones you can get from the dealer, but they may not be compatible with your car. Certain manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips that prevent their key fobs from interfacing with third-party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in but there's a good chance it won't continue to work. Go through your owner's manual or go to the manufacturer's site for more information about programming your particular model's key fob. It's worth trying to do this yourself before heading to the dealer or hiring an expert locksmith to do it. You can also look at your vehicle's warranty, auto-insurance policy and roadside assistance policy to see if they will cover the cost of a replacement key fob. Transponder Key Most modern cars utilize keys that are known as a transponder key. These keys contain an embedded chip inside the head of the key that sends a signal to the vehicle when it is inserted into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and begin the engine. replacement key for car near me 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 prevent theft of cars since it is nearly impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the proper equipment. Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers which prevent the vehicle from starting if they are used with a key that is not transponder. Car thieves have devised ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems. A locksmith will usually be able to assist you in replacing a lost or damaged transponder key. They will need the details of your vehicle including the VIN number and model. They will then either cut a new key or program the current one to the car's system. This is a more expensive process than having a dealership cut and program replacement keys. Some stores for automotive like AutoZone or Walmart can also cut and copy transponder keys, however, they may not be capable of reprogramming chips in the key. It is best to call an experienced and reputable locksmith company if you want to ensure that a professional will be capable of handling the job. Before the advent of technology like this, it was relatively easy for someone to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a car. This technique was used to steal cars and it permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. The introduction of transponder keys has greatly reduced the likelihood of this happening, but it is not completely eliminated. If you need a replacement transponder keys or you've lost yours, the best choice is to call a professional and have them do it for you. The cost will be higher 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 As more and more people demand convenience, security and safety, car key fobs are now a standard feature. These transmitters can open doors, activate the panic alarm, open the trunk, or even start the engine without having a 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 have to program your new key to pair it with your vehicle. A standard key fob can cost ten or so dollars to get cut at an hardware store, but the most recent smart keys aren't cheap if you're looking to purchase them and have them programmed. Based on the make and model, you can expect to shell out between $200 to $500 for a replacement fob, plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car. Some advanced car key systems let you make use of your smartphone as a key. Using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car, and you can also switch your lights on and off, as well as activate your parking brake, and do other things depending on your proximity to the car. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas or if you have children and worry about your children being in the car without supervision. Some of these systems can be expensive, but are more secure than the standard car key. They track your location to prevent you from locking or starting the car when you are far away. They can also help you locate your car in garages that have parking spaces, and some can warn you if the doors are open or closed. These systems are also beneficial for companies such as property managers who oversee offices or vacation rentals. These systems allow them to monitor 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 believe that they should go to the dealer if keys are missing. The dealer will request proof of ownership and may purchase the key from the manufacturer. This could take several days. But a dealer can also usually get the job done for you faster than a locksmith, and they may have cheaper prices, too. The key fob may still need to be programmed to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by looking up the owner's manual. It involves opening and shutting doors, as well as turning on and off lights and other electronic devices. It can even require pressing a set of buttons that acts like a code. This is often handled by the driver, but it's always better to let an expert manage it. The cost can also be affected by the year, make and type of vehicle. Modern cars feature sophisticated transponder chips which will require pairing with the vehicle by a locksmith or a dealer and the process may be more costly. A dealer that sells a certain brand of car will be more likely to know how to change keys for the model. Some of the larger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are well-versed in the keys. Some brands are harder to work with. This includes a few of the older companies that have closed, 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 have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. The keys are typically modified. This can be more expensive and time-consuming than replacing the key. It is recommended that you have your spare key cloned by a professional instead of buying a new one from a dealer. You will not have to pay the higher rates for after-hours and weekend services. Then, if you do lose your keys, you can rest assured that the key cloned will work.