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Car Keys Replacement Cost It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to cars was not a major issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutting shop for the replacement key for $10 or less. Nevertheless the process has gotten more complex and expensive. Learn more about the various types of keys for cars and how they will cost you to replace them. Basic Key Fob A key fob is both an remote as well as a key in one. auto key replacement cost 's a small plastic device that has one or more buttons that you can push to unlock the doors, open the trunk or hatchback, roll down the windows, and possibly start the car. The key fob comes with an electronic chip built in that communicates with the car's onboard systems to control functions such as the starter. A basic key fob is usually constructed of plastic that employs a lock-and key mechanism, like the kind you might find on a vintage Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob may cost anywhere from $50 to $100, but the real price is when you need to replace a damaged or lost one. You'll likely need to visit a dealer if the car is older than five years old. Many newer cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or key shop can usually perform this task for less, though. The kind of fob you own can also impact the cost. Older vehicles use mechanical key fobs, whereas the latest models usually have transponder keys or smart keys. Both types of keys are able to have a range of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks your vehicle in a controlled manner to rolling codes that change regularly to prevent thieves from taking and stealing 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 work with your vehicle. Some manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru include security chips in their key fobs that block them from working with third-party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob, if it's purchased, but it's very likely that it won't function. You can get information on programming your key fob by visiting the website of the manufacturer or the owner's guide. You should try to do this yourself before hiring a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also look at your vehicle's warranty, roadside assistance and auto-insurance policy to see if they will cover the cost of a replacement fob for your key. Transponder Key Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of newer automobiles. They have embedded chips in the head that sends a message to the vehicle when it is placed in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and launching the engine. This key type is more secure than traditional flat metal keys since a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it doesn't receive the right signal from the key. This technology was created to prevent theft of cars since it is virtually impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the right equipment. Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers that prevent them from being started when they are operated by keys that do not have a transponder. However, car criminals have also come up with ways to gain access and steal cars that are equipped with transponder keys. A locksmith can assist you repair your transponder key in the event that it is damaged or lost. They will need to have 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 system, or cut a new one. This procedure is more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key. Some automotive stores like AutoZone or Walmart can cut and duplicate transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming the chip in the key. You should contact an experienced and reliable locksmith company if you want to be sure that a professional will be able to handle the task. Before the advent of technology like this, it was relatively easy for someone to make duplicate keys for cars and then hot wire a car. This method of stealing vehicles was frequent and allowed criminals to get into and drive off with stolen vehicles. Transponder keys have significantly reduced the risk of this crime, but they haven't completely eliminated it. If you need a new transponder keys or you've lost yours, the best solution is to contact a professional and have them do it for you. It will cost more than a standard key, but it's a much safer and more reliable option to ensure that someone else cannot start your car. Keyless Entry System As increasing numbers of people seek security, convenience, and safety key fobs for cars have become a common feature. These tiny transmitters can open doors, set off the alarm that sounds a panic or open the trunk and even start your engine without having to carry a physical key in your hand. They are easily tossed around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. It's expensive to replace them, and you may have to program your new fob to pair it with your vehicle. The cost of cutting a standard key fob in a hardware store is about 10 dollars. However, the latest smart keys can be costly if you must purchase them and then program them. You should expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the replacement key fob. This includes the cost to have it cut and programmed for your vehicle. Some advanced car key systems let you make use of your smartphone as keys. By using the app on your phone, you can remote lock or unlock your car, and you can also switch on and off, turn off your parking brake, and do other things depending on the proximity of your car. They are perfect for people who reside in urban areas or even parents who are worried about your kids leaving the car unsupervised. Certain of these systems can be expensive however, they're more secure than a regular car key because they can locate you and prevent you from accidentally locking your car or turning the engine on if you're too far away. They also can help you find your car in parking garages and even alert you if the doors are opened or closed. These systems are also useful for businesses such as property managers who manage vacation rentals or offices. These systems let them monitor access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also ensure that only those who have permissions are allowed in and out. Dealership Some people believe that they should visit a dealer when keys are missing. They'll have to show proof of ownership, and sometimes the key must be ordered from the manufacturer, which could take a few days. A dealer can usually do the job quicker than a locksmith, and may even cost less. The key fob might require to be programmed for your car. This can be done at the dealership or by consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and closing doors, and turning off the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It could also require pressing a set of buttons which acts as an electronic code. Often, this can be performed by the driver however, it is best to have a technician handle it. The year, make and model of the vehicle will have an impact on the cost as well. The cost of the service may be affected by the year, model and model of the vehicle. A dealer that sells a certain brand of car will be more likely to have the knowledge to replace keys for the model. Some of the larger manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are well-versed in keys. Some brands are harder to work with. This includes some of the more established companies that have shut down, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are some of the more established companies that have stopped producing keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. These keys are usually changed. This is more expensive and complicated than replacing the key. In general, if you have a spare key it is usually best to duplicate it at a specialist rather than getting a replacement from the dealer. So, you don't have to worry about paying the more expensive after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys, you are assured that the cloned key will function.