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Car Keys Replacement CostNot long ago, misplacing your car keys was not an issue. You could bring your spare to key cutters and purchase an additional one for $10 or less.Nowadays, however, the process can be more complicated and costly. Learn about the various types and costs for car keys.Basic Key FobA key fob can be described as an electronic remote control and key in one. It's tiny, plastic device equipped with a button which you can press to unlock doors or hatchbacks, open the trunk, roll down windows and maybe even start the car. The key fob has an electronic chip embedded that communicates with your car's onboard systems to regulate functions like the starter.Basic key fobs are made from standard plastic, and use a regular lock and key mechanism. They are identical to those found on old Pontiacs as well as Saturns. A basic key fob may cost anything from $50 to $100, but the real cost comes when you have to replace a lost or damaged one.If your car was made in the past five years, chances are you'll need to go to the dealership to get a replacement fob since many modern cars require special equipment to program and code new keys. A locksmith shop or key shop is usually in a position to provide this service for less.The cost of your fob can depend on the type of fob you own. Older vehicles use mechanical key fobs, whereas the most recent models typically have transponder keys or smart keys. Both are able to have a range of features, ranging from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the vehicle automatically to rolling codes that are updated regularly to deter thieves from intercepting and stealing the key fob information of your car.auto key replacements might be able to buy an aftermarket key fob online for less than the price you'd pay at the dealer, but these may not work with your car. Some manufacturers, including Audi and Subaru have security chips in their key fobs, which prevent them from working with third-party devices. Some dealers will program a second-hand key fob, if it's brought in, however it's highly unlikely that it will function.You can get information on programming your key fob by looking up the manufacturer's site or the owner's manual. It is recommended to try this yourself prior to paying for a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also look into your car's warranty and auto insurance policy to see whether they cover the cost of a brand new key fob.Transponder KeyTransponder keys are used in most newer cars. The keys have an embedded chip in the key's head that sends a signal to the vehicle when it is inserted into the ignition cylinder. This signal is used for unlocking the car and for starting the engine. This key is more secure than the traditional flat metal keys because the transponder chip stops cars from starting without the proper signal. This technology was developed to reduce car theft as it is virtually impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the proper equipment.Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers that prevent the vehicle from starting if they are used with a key that is not transponder. Car thieves have devised methods of stealing cars with transponder key systems.A locksmith can assist you repair your transponder key in the event that it's damaged or lost. They'll require the information about your specific vehicle, including the VIN number, model and year. They will then either program your existing key to the car's computer system or cut new keys. This is a more costly procedure than having a dealer cut and program replacement keys.Some automotive stores like AutoZone or Walmart can cut and duplicate transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming 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 competent to complete the task.Before the invention of technology like this it was fairly simple to create a duplicate car key and then hot wire a car. This method of stealing vehicles was common and allowed criminals to enter and drive away with stolen vehicles. The advent of transponder keys has drastically reduced this crime, but it is not completely eliminated.You can get a professional to do this for you if you need a replacement transponder key, or if you lost yours. The cost will be more than a traditional key but it's a safer and more secure method to ensure that your vehicle can't be started by anyone else.Keyless Entry SystemAs increasing numbers of people want convenience, security and safety, car key fobs are now a standard feature. These tiny transmitters can open doors, set off the alarm for panic and open the trunk and even start your engine without having to carry a physical key in your hands. But 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 traditional keys. This means they're costly to replace, and you might require fob programming to connect your new one with your vehicle.A basic key fob costs ten or so dollars to cut at an hardware store, but the latest smart keys aren't cheap when you need to buy them and have them programmed. You should expect to pay between $200 and $500 for the replacement key fob. This includes the cost to have it cut and programmed to fit in your car.There are additionally more advanced car key systems that allow you to make use of your smartphone as a key. You can lock or unlock your vehicle via the app on your phone. You can also turn on and off your lights, turn on your parking break, and do other tasks based on the proximity to your vehicle. These are perfect for those who live in urban areas or if you have kids and worry about your children being in the car without supervision.Certain of these systems may be costly, but they are more secure than the standard car key. They keep track of your location to prevent you from locking or opening the car if you are far from. They can also help you locate your car in parking garages and even alert you if the doors are shut or opened.These types of systems can also be beneficial for businesses, like property managers that oversee vacation rentals or office spaces. These systems are able to monitor access rights for guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance workers, while ensuring that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get in and out of the space.DealershipSome people believe they need to go to the dealer when keys are missing. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and occasionally the key must be ordered from the manufacturer, which could take a few days. But a dealer can also typically complete the task for you quicker than a locksmith, and they might have lower prices, too.The key fob could require programming for your vehicle. This can be done either at the dealer or by consulting your owner's guide. It involves opening and shutting doors, as well as switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It could even require pressing a series of buttons that function as an electronic code. This is often handled by the driver, but it's always better to let a technician handle it.The cost will also be dependent on the year, make and type of vehicle. Modern cars feature high-tech transponder chips that will need to be paired with the car by a locksmith dealer and the process could be more costly.A dealer who sells a particular brand of car will be more likely to have the knowledge to replace keys for the model. Some of the biggest manufacturers, like Ford, Toyota and Chrysler have a variety of models and are well-versed in the keys.Certain brands are difficult to work with. Some of the older brands that have closed or that are old enough that they no longer manufacture keys are listed. This includes Scion, Pontiac, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Mercury, Saturn and Eagle. The keys are typically reprogrammed. This can be more expensive and difficult than replacing the key.If you have a spare key, it is best to get it copied by an expert instead of obtaining an exchange from the dealer. That way you can avoid paying the higher after-hours or weekend rates. If you lose your keys you are assured that the duplicate will work.