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Tips to Save Money on Car Keys Replacement Cost

Car keys used to be inexpensive and simple to replace, but now it can cost a lot. It depends on the year, make and model of the vehicle.

It is cheaper to get duplicate keys made at the hardware store or locksmith than to replace the lost one (a key origination). The most significant cost factors are as follows.

Basic Key Fobs for Keys

You'll likely find keys in your bag, pocket, or junk drawer. These handy devices can do more than lock and unlock your car--they double as an important security measure and theft deterrent. They're costly to replace in the event that they're lost or damaged, or if they are stolen. Consumer Reports reveals a few simple tips to save the cost of replacing your key fob.

Contact your local locksmith or mechanic. You might be able get back on the road at much less than the price that the dealership charges. Locksmith Phil Genesky from San Francisco says that his guy can cut and program a basic key for around $200. "He does not, however, have the tools needed to work on some of the modern European models."

The majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that need to be programmed to work with your car key cost. This is where the costs begin to add up. The latest key fobs can cost of replacement car key as much as $400, based on the model and that's only for the key itself. It is also possible to pay for an electronic backup key and have it programmed. Before you pay the cash, you should check with your auto insurance, warranty or roadside assistance coverage to determine if they cover key fobs. Also, you can search on the internet for replacement fobs based on your model and make. They are often laser-cut and programmed at a fraction of the cost of a replacement car key dealers charge.

Transponder Keys

Since the 1990s, a number of automakers have added microchips to the key head as an extra layer of security. The chip is referred to as transponder and has a unique code that communicates with the vehicle. When the key is put in the ignition and the code is broadcast to the immobilizer. If the code matches then the engine will be started. These keys are harder to duplicate than keys made of metal and Remote make it less likely that your vehicle will be stolen. Car thieves have developed to exploit these systems.

To copy a transponder chip locksmiths must have special equipment that reads the chip and then copies it onto the blank key. This makes it a bit more expensive than a normal flat metal key. Most transponder keys also use batteries that need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Many people believe that transponders are more expensive than a key fob, or a remote-head key (RHK). However, this is not the case. Certain keys can be duplicated in local hardware stores which makes them cheaper than the replacement key that has to be programmed. They are also less expensive than smart key, which is only available from dealers and costs between $200 to $500.

Switchblade Keys

The days are long gone when misplacing or losing your car keys weren't a huge problem. With the advancements in technology in cars keys, a replacement can cost a few hundred dollars.

Traditional keys are basic metal locks that fit into the ignition cylinder, allowing you to unlock or lock your door. These are usually inexpensive to replace at an hardware store or locksmith.

Transponder keys are an upgraded version of traditional keys. They feature a computer chip embedded in the keys that communicates wirelessly with the car which allows it to be unlocked and to be used. The cost of replacement car key of replacing this type of key could cost up to $250 because the car needs to be reprogrammed in order to recognize it.

When not in use, the blades of a switchblade car keys, also known as VATS or PASS Keys, fold up into the fob. You can use the key by pressing the button to release the blade. These are more expensive to replace than basic or laser cut keys because you'll need to purchase an entirely new blade and fob together. It is also necessary to contact the dealer directly to request replacement for the type of key since it requires specialized programming. The dealer may charge an initial cost for the service as well. It is recommended to keep the spare car key in a secure area.

Smart Keys

Smart keys are becoming more popular. They are key fobs with a mechanical blade and transponder technology. They can unlock doors, and in some cases, start a vehicle, without having to take the key out of the pocket of the owner. Some of them save the settings of specific drivers and others permit remote control of sunroofs and windows. These devices usually cost well over $100 and need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer with special equipment.

These smart keys can only be duplicated by a manufacturer-approved dealership, which means you'll pay more to get a replacement key from them than you would for an old-school bayonet-style metal key. You'll also need to give the VIN number of your car to the dealer to connect a key to your car.

The most cost-effective and efficient method to obtain a spare car key is to collaborate with an auto locksmith. If you don't possess your car's VIN, you could try to get a duplicate key from roadside assistance or your insurance company as provided they're willing to do it for a reasonable amount. If you can't find your VIN it can be found on the driver's side of the dashboard, in the windshield wipers area or in the engine bay.