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A few years ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could bring your spare to an a key cutter and buy a new one for $10 or less.

However, the process has become more complex and expensive. Find out about the various kinds and costs of keys for cars.

Basic Key Fob

A key fob can be described as an electronic remote and a key in one. It's a small, plastic piece with a button that you can push to unlock doors and hatchbacks, open the trunk, open windows, roll them down and, possibly, even start the car. The key fob also comes with an electronic chip inside that communicates with the car's onboard system to manage functions like the starter.

A basic key fob is generally constructed of plastic that uses a regular lock-and-key mechanism, like the one you'd find on an old Pontiac or Saturn. A basic key fob can cost anywhere between $50 and $100, but you'll pay more if need to replace one that has been damaged or lost.

If your car was made in the past five years, chances are that you'll need to go to the dealership for a replacement fob, as many newer cars require special equipment to program and code new keys. A locksmith or a key shop will typically be able to do this at a lower cost.

The cost of your fob could also depend on the type you own. Older vehicles have mechanical keys, while the latest models use transponder keys. Key fobs of both kinds can be equipped with a variety of features. They can include keyless entry, which locks and unlocks your vehicle automatically or rolling codes that change frequently to stop thieves from stealing the information on the key fob.

You may be able to purchase an aftermarket key fob online at a lower cost than what you'd pay at the dealership however, they may not work with your car. Some manufacturers, such as Audi and Subaru have security chips that stop their key fobs from interfacing with third party devices. Some dealers will program an aftermarket fob when you bring it in but there's a good chance that it won't function.

Check your owner's manual or go to the manufacturer's site for more information about programming your particular model's key fob. You should try to do this yourself before hiring a locksmith or going to the dealer. You can also look into your vehicle's warranty and auto-insurance policy to determine whether they will cover the cost of a new key fob.

Transponder Key

Most newer cars use keys that are known as a transponder key. The keys have an embedded chip inside the key's head that transmits a signal to the vehicle when it is put 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 prevents a car from starting if it does not have the right signal. This technology was designed to prevent theft of cars since it is almost impossible to duplicate these types of keys without the right equipment.

Many vehicles are also equipped with immobilizers which prevent the vehicle from starting when they are operated by a key that is not transponder. Car thieves have come up with ways to steal cars equipped with transponder key systems.

A locksmith can help to replace your transponder keys if it's damaged or lost. They'll require the details of your particular vehicle, such as the VIN number along with the year, model and year. Then, they'll either cut a new car key replacement key or program the existing one to your car's security system. This process is a bit more expensive than cutting a key from a dealership and program a replacement key.

Some auto stores, such as AutoZone and Walmart are also capable of cutting and re-copying the transponder key, however they may not be in a position to reprogram the chip in the key. If you want to be sure that a professional can handle the job, call a reputable and experienced locksmith company.

It was fairly easy to make duplicate keys for a car key button replacement and wire a vehicle prior to the advent of this modern technology. This method was used to steal cars and permitted criminals to steal stolen vehicles. The advent of the transponder key has greatly reduced this activity but it's not completely eliminated.

You can get an expert to handle this for you in the event that you require an alternative transponder key or if you lost yours. It's more expensive than a standard key but it's a much safer and better option to ensure that someone else is unable to start your car.

Keyless Entry System

As more and more people demand security, convenience, and safety keys for their cars are now a standard feature. These little transmitters can unlock doors, set off the alarm that sounds a panic, open the trunk, and even start your engine without having the physical key in your hand. However, they also be subject to a lot of abuse from being used in a variety of ways, and they're more likely to be lost or stolen than metal keys. That means they're expensive to replace, and you might require fob programming in order to pair your new one with your vehicle.

A standard key fob can cost around ten dollars to get cut at the hardware store, however the latest smart keys aren't cheap if you're looking to purchase the keys and have them programmed. You can expect to spend between $200 and $500 on an alternative key fob. This includes the cost of having it cut and programmed to fit in your car key button replacement.

There are other more advanced car keys systems that allow you to use your smartphone as a key. Using the app on your phone, you can remotely lock or unlock your car and you can also switch on and off, as well as activate your parking brake, and perform other things depending on your proximity to the car. These are perfect for those who live in urban areas or have children and are worried about children leaving the car unattended.

Certain of these systems are costly however they're also more secure than a standard car key since they monitor your location and stop you from accidentally locking the car or turning the engine on in case you're not close enough. They can also help you locate your car inside garages that have parking spaces, and some can warn you if the doors have been opened or closed.

These systems are also beneficial for businesses such as property managers who oversee vacation rentals or offices. These systems are able to monitor access rights of guests as well as cleaning staff and maintenance personnel, while ensuring that only those with the appropriate permissions are allowed to get into and out of the space.

Dealership

Some people believe that they should visit a dealer when keys are missing. Dealers will ask for proof of ownership, and could purchase keys from the manufacturer. This could take a few days. However, a dealer can generally complete the task for you quicker than a locksmith, and they may have cheaper prices, as well.

The key fob may still require programming to your vehicle. This can be done at the dealership or by referring to your owner's manual. It involves closing and opening doors and turning lights and other electronic components on and off. It may also require pressing a number of buttons which act as an electronic code. This can often be done by the drivers, but it is always best to let a technician manage it.

The cost is also affected by the year, model and year of vehicle. Modern cars feature advanced transponder chips that need to be paired with the vehicle by a locksmith dealer and the process could be more costly.

A dealer who sells particular brand of car is more likely to be able to replace the keys for that particular vehicle. Some of the biggest manufacturers, such as Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Nissan have a huge number of models and are more familiar with the keys for the specific models.

Other brands are more difficult to work with. This includes a few of the older companies that have shut down, or are old enough to have keys that are no longer in production. Scion, Pontiac and Hummer are a few of the companies that are older and do not produce keys anymore. Mercury, Saturn, Eagle, Mercury, Saturn and Oldsmobile are also included. Typically, these keys have to be reprogrammed, which can be more complicated and costly than replacing the key itself.

It is best to have your spare key cloned by a professional rather than buying an entirely new one from a dealer. That way you can avoid having to pay for the higher rates for after-hours and weekend hours. If you do lose your keys you can rest assured that the copied key will function.