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A few years ago, losing your keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could bring your spare to a key cutter and get an additional one for $10 or less.

Today, however the process is more complicated and expensive. Learn about the various types and costs of keys for cars.

Basic Key Fob

Key fobs are an remote control as well as an actual key in one. It's tiny, plastic device equipped with a button which can be pushed to open doors, open the hatchback or trunk, lower windows and maybe even start the car. The key fob also has an electronic chip inside that communicates with the car's onboard computer system to control functions like the starter.

A basic key fob is generally made of plastic and uses a regular lock-and-key mechanism, like the kind you might find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob will cost between $50 to $100, however you'll pay more if require a replacement for one that's been lost or damaged.

If your car was built in the last five years, chances are that you'll need to visit the dealer for a replacement fob as many newer vehicles require special equipment to code and program new keys. A locksmith or key shop will usually be capable of doing this for less.

The type of fob you're using can also impact the cost. Older vehicles have mechanical keys, while the modern models have transponder keys. Both types of keys come with a variety of features, from keyless entry that locks and unlocks the car automatically to changing codes on a regular basis to deter thieves from intercepting and using the key fob information of your car.

Key fobs that are available online could be less expensive than the ones you can get from the dealer, but they might not be compatible with your car. Certain manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips inside their key fobs, which prevent them from working with devices that are not third-party. Some dealerships will program an aftermarket fob if you bring it in but there's a good chance that it won't work.

Read the owner's manual for your model or visit the manufacturer's website for information on programming your specific model's key fob. It's a good idea to try this yourself before heading to the dealership or paying an expert locksmith to do it. You can also look into the warranty on your vehicle and the auto-insurance policy to see whether they cover the cost of a new key fob.

Transponder Key

Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of modern cars. They have embedded chips in the head which transmits an information to the vehicle after it is inserted in the ignition cylinder. This signal is used to unlock the car and launching the engine. This key is more secure than the conventional flat metal key due to the transponder chip prevents a car from starting without the correct signal. This technology was created to prevent theft of cars since it is almost impossible to duplicate these kinds of keys without the right equipment.

Additionally, many cars also have immobilizer systems which prevent them from starting if keys that are not transponder compatible are used. 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 is damaged or lost. They'll require the details of your particular vehicle, such as the VIN number along with the year, model and year. They will then cut a new one or program the existing 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 cut and duplicate transponder keys however, they may not be capable of reprogramming the chip inside the key. If you want to be sure that a professional will be able to handle the task, you should call a reputable and experienced locksmith service.

It was fairly easy to create a duplicate key for a car and hot-wire a car prior to the advent of this modern technology. This method of stealing cars was frequent and allowed criminals to get into 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 get an expert to do this for you if you need a replacement transponder key, or if you've lost yours. It will cost more than a standard key but it's a much safer and more reliable option to ensure that someone else will not be able to start your car.

Keyless Entry System

As more and more people demand convenience, safety and security keys for their cars have become a common feature. These devices can open doors, trigger the panic alarm, open the trunk, or start the engine without having a physical key. They can be thrown around and are more likely to be lost or stolen. That means they're expensive to replace, and you may need fob programming to pair your new one with your vehicle.

A basic key fob costs around ten dollars to cut at an hardware store, but the latest smart keys aren't cheap when you're looking to purchase the keys and have them programmed. Depending on your vehicle model and make, you can expect to shell out between $200 and $500 to replace a fob plus the cost of cutting it and programming it to your car.

Some advanced car key systems let you use your phone as keys. You can lock or unlock your vehicle by using an app on your phone. You can also turn off and on your lights, turn on your parking break, and perform other tasks depending on the proximity to your car. These are great for people who reside in urban areas, or if you're a parent that's concerned about your children leaving the car unattended.

Certain of these systems can be expensive however, they're more secure than a regular car key as they track your location and prevent you from locking the car key lost replacement or turning on the engine in case you're not close enough. They can also assist you to find your car in garages that have parking spaces, and some can warn you if the doors have been open or closed.

These systems are also beneficial for businesses like property managers who oversee vacation rentals or offices. These systems let them control access rights for guests and cleaning staff. They can also ensure that only those who have permissions are allowed to enter and exit the premises.

Dealership

Some people believe that they should go to the dealer when their keys are missing. They'll need to provide proof of ownership, and sometimes the key has to be purchased from the manufacturer, which can take a few days. But a dealer will typically complete the task for you quicker than locksmiths, and they may have cheaper prices, as well.

The key fob might require programming for your vehicle. This can be done either at the dealership or by reading the owner's manual. It involves opening and closing doors, as well as switching off or on lights and other electronic devices. It may also require pressing a set of buttons that function as a code. This can often be done by the driver, but it's best to let an expert handle it.

The year the model, make and year of the car key replacements will impact the price as well. Modern cars come with advanced transponder chips that need to be paired with the car by a locksmith dealer and the process could be more expensive.

A dealer who sells a specific model will be more likely to know how much does a replacement car key cost uk to replace keys for that model. Some of the bigger manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a wide number of models and are more familiar with the keys that are used for the models they sell.

Other brands are more difficult to work with. Some of the more established brands that have shut down or are so old that they no longer produce keys are listed. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are among the more established companies that do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. The keys are typically reprogrammed. This can be more expensive and complicated than replacing the key.

It is recommended that you get your spare key copied by a specialist rather than getting a new one from the dealer. You can avoid paying the more expensive rates for after-hours or weekend services. Then, if you do lose your keys you can rest assured that the cloned key will work.