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Car Keys Replacement Cost It wasn't long ago that losing keys to cars was not a major issue. You could take your spare key to a key cutter and get a new one that cost $10 or less. However, the process has become more complex 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 and a key in one. It's a small plastic device that has a button or buttons that you press to unlock the doors and open the trunk or hatchback, open the windows and maybe even start the car. The key fob also comes with a built-in electronic chip that communicates with the car's onboard system to control functions such as the starter. Basic key fobs are usually made of standard plastic and utilize a standard lock and key mechanism. These are the same as those found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob costs between $50 to $100, however you'll pay more if you require a replacement for one that's been lost or damaged. If your car was made in the last five years, chances are you'll need to visit the dealership to get a replacement fob since many modern cars require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop will usually be able to do this at a lower cost. The type of fob you have can also impact the cost. Older cars use mechanical key fobs, while most recent models utilize transponder keys. Both types of keys can have a wide range 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 stealing your car's key fob data. Key fobs purchased online may be cheaper than those you can purchase from a dealer, but they might not be compatible with your car. Certain manufacturers, like Audi and Subaru have security chips that block their key fobs from working with third party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket key fob when it's purchased, but it's likely that it won't function. You can get information on programming your key fob by looking up the site of the manufacturer or in the owner's manual. It's worth trying to do this yourself prior to going to the dealership or paying a locksmith to do it. You can also check the warranty on your vehicle and the auto-insurance policy to see if they cover the cost of replacing a key fob. Transponder Key Most newer cars use a type of key called transponder keys. auto key replacement G28 have an embedded chip in the head which transmits an information to the vehicle once it is put into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and starting the engine. This type of key is more secure than standard flat metal keys due to a transponder chip prevents the car from starting if it does not receive an appropriate signal from the key. This technology was developed to stop car theft since it is almost impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the appropriate equipment. Many cars are also fitted with immobilizers which prevent them from starting when they are operated with keys that do not have a transponder. Car thieves have come up with ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems. A locksmith is usually able to assist you in replacing a lost or damaged transponder key. They'll need details of your vehicle, such as the VIN number and model. Then they will cut a new key or program the existing one to your car's system. This is a little more expensive than getting a car dealership to cut and program a new key. Some automotive stores, like AutoZone and Walmart, are also capable of cutting and re-copying the transponder keys, however they may not be in a position to reprogram the chip inside the key. You should contact a reputable and experienced locksmith company if you want to be sure that a professional will be capable of handling the job. Before the invention of technology like this, it was relatively easy for someone to make duplicate car keys and then hot wire a vehicle. This method of stealing cars was very common and allowed criminals to gain entry and drive off with stolen vehicles. The introduction of the transponder key has drastically reduced this crime but it's not completely eliminated. You can contact a professional to do this for you if you require a replacement transponder key, or if you lost yours. The cost will be more than a conventional key, however it's a safer and better method to ensure that your car cannot be started by someone else. Keyless Entry System As increasing numbers of people want security, convenience, and safety, car key fobs are now a standard feature. These tiny devices can unlock doors, activate the panic alarm or open the trunk and even start your engine without having the physical key in your hands. They are easily tossed around and are more likely to get lost or stolen. It's costly to replace them, and you may have to program your new fob to connect it with your vehicle. A standard key fob can cost about ten dollars to cut at a hardware store, but the latest smart keys can be expensive if you need to buy them and then have them programmed. Based on the model and make you could expect to pay between $200 to $500 for a replacement fob, plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your vehicle. There are other more advanced car keys systems that let you use your smartphone as a key. You can lock or unlock your car via the app on your smartphone. You can also turn off and on your lights, activate your parking break, and perform other tasks based on the distance you're to your vehicle. These are perfect for those who reside in urban areas or if you have children and are worried about your children being in the car without supervision. Some of these systems can be expensive, but they're also more secure than a regular car key because they can monitor your location and stop you from accidentally locking the 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 can even warn you if the doors have been shut or opened. These systems are also useful for companies such as property managers who oversee vacation rentals or offices. These systems permit them to monitor access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also make sure that only those who have permissions are allowed in and out. Dealership Some people may feel that they have to go to the dealership when their keys are lost. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and sometimes keys must be ordered from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. But a dealer will typically complete the task for you faster than a locksmith, and they may have cheaper prices, too. The key fob could need to be programmed for your car. This can be done at the dealership or by referring to your owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors, as well as turning the lights and other electronic devices on and off. It can even require pressing a set of buttons which acts as a code. Often, this can be done by the driver, but it is better to have a technician do it. The year, make and model of the car will have an impact on the price as well. The cost of the service may be affected by the year, model and model of the vehicle. A dealer who sells a specific model will be more likely to be able to change keys for the model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have several models and are well-versed in the keys. Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes some of the more established firms that have been shut down or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are among the older companies that no longer produce keys. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these keys require reprogramming which is more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself. In general, if you have a spare key it is best to duplicate it at a specialist rather than getting an exchange from the dealer. This way, you avoid having to pay for the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you lose your keys, you are assured that the cloned key will function.