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Car Keys Replacement Cost It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could take your spare to a key cutter and get an additional one for $10 or less. Nevertheless the process has gotten more complicated and costly. Learn about the different types and costs for car keys. Basic Key Fob A key fob is both a remote and key in one. It's a small, plastic device equipped with a button which can be pushed to open doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, roll down windows and maybe even start your car. The key fob also has an electronic chip inside that communicates with the car's onboard system to control functions like the starter. A basic key fob is typically made of plastic and employs a lock-and key mechanism, such as the type you'd find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob may cost anything from $50 to $100, but the real price is when you need to replace a lost or damaged one. If your car was made within the last five years, chances are that you'll need to visit the dealer to get a replacement fob as many newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop will typically be capable of doing this at a lower cost. The type of fob you're using will also affect the price. Older vehicles have mechanical key fobs, while latest models use transponder keys. Both can have a wide range of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car in a controlled manner to rolling codes that change regularly to prevent thieves from taking and using your car's key fob data. It's possible to purchase an aftermarket key fob online for less than what you'd pay at the dealer however, they may not work with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips inside their key fobs that prevent them from working with devices that are not third-party. Some dealerships will program an aftermarket fob when 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 searching 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. You could also check the warranty of your vehicle, the roadside assistance and auto-insurance coverage to see if these cover the costs of a replacement key fob. Transponder Key Transponder keys are utilized in most newer cars. These keys contain an embedded chip inside the head of the key that transmits a signal to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and for starting the engine. This key is more secure than a traditional flat metal key because the transponder chip prevents the car from starting without the proper signal. This technology was developed to stop car theft since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these keys without the right equipment. In addition, many cars also have immobilizer systems that prevent them from starting when a non-transponder key is used. Car thieves have devised methods to steal vehicles with transponder key systems. A locksmith is usually able to help you replace a lost or damaged transponder key. They will need the information about your vehicle including the VIN number and model. They will then either program the key you have to the car's system or cut new keys. This is a more expensive process than having a dealership cut and program replacement keys. Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart can also be capable of cutting and copying the transponder key, however they might not be able to reprogram the chip in the key. If you want to be sure that a professional is able to complete the job, contact an experienced and trusted locksmith company. Before the advent of technology like this, it was relatively easy to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a car. This method was used to steal cars and it permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. The advent of the transponder key has drastically reduced this crime, but it is not completely eliminated. You can call a professional to do this for you if you require a replacement transponder key, or if you've lost one. The cost will be more than a standard key, but it is a much safer and better way to ensure that your vehicle can't be started by anyone else. Keyless Entry System Car key fobs are becoming a standard feature in vehicles as more people want convenience, safety and security. These devices can open doors, activate the panic alarm, open the trunk, and even start the engine without the physical key. They can also be subject to a lot of abuse from being tossed around and they are more likely to get lost or stolen than metal keys. That means they're expensive to replace, and you could need fob programming to pair your new key with your vehicle. A standard key fob can cost around ten dollars to get cut at a hardware store, but the latest smart keys can be expensive if you want to purchase them and have them programmed. Based on the model and make, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for a replacement fob plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your vehicle. Some advanced car key systems allow you to use your phone as an actual key. You can lock or unlock your vehicle by using an app that you have installed on your smartphone. You can also turn on and off your lights, activate your parking break, and do other things based on the distance you're to your vehicle. These apps are ideal for those who reside in urban areas, or parents who are worried about your kids leaving the car unattended. Certain of these systems may be expensive, but are more secure than a standard car key. They keep track of your location to prevent you from locking or opening the car when you are too far from. They also can help you find your car in garages that have parking spaces and even alert you if the doors are open or closed. These systems are also useful for businesses like 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 who have permissions are allowed to enter and exit the premises. Dealership Some people feel they must go to the dealer if keys are missing. The dealer will request proof of ownership and request keys from the manufacturer. auto replacement key can take several days. However, a dealer can usually get the job done for you much faster than locksmiths, and may have cheaper prices, too. The key fob could require to be programmed for your car. This can be done through the dealer or consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and shutting doors, and turning on and off lights and other electronic devices. It could even involve pressing a series of buttons that acts like a code. This can often be done by the driver, but it's always better to let a technician manage it. The cost is also affected by the year, model and year of vehicle. 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 specific brand of car is more likely to be able to replace the keys for that vehicle. Some of the biggest manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge number of models and are more acquainted with the keys that are used for those models. Some brands are harder to work with. Some of the older brands that have closed or are old enough that they no longer manufacture keys are listed. These include Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn, and Eagle. The keys are typically changed. This can be more expensive and time-consuming than replacing the key. In general, if you have a spare key it is usually best to get it copied by a specialist rather than getting an exchange from the dealer. So, you don't have to worry about having to pay the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you do lose your keys you can rest assured that the key cloned will work.