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Tips to Save Money on Car Keys replacement car keys cost near me Cost

Car keys used to be inexpensive and simple to replace, cost of a replacement car key but now it can cost a lot. It is based on the year, make and model of your vehicle.

It is cheaper to make an identical key at a locksmith or hardware store instead of replacing the one you lost (a key replacement). The major cost elements are as follows.

Basic Key Fobs

Take a look in your pocket purse, bag or junk drawer and chances are you'll find a key fob somewhere. These small, handy gadgets provide more than locking and unlock your car. They also serve as an additional security measure and a significant theft deterrent. However, they're expensive to replace if they're lost damaged, broken or stolen. Consumer Reports reveals a few easy ways to save money on replacement of key fobs.

The first step is consult your local locksmith or mechanic. You might be able get back on the road in much less than the price that dealerships charge. Locksmith Phil Genesky from San Francisco says his locksmith can cut and program a basic key for around $200. "He isn't equipped for some of the newer European models, though."

Modern cars have key fobs that have to be programmed to work with the vehicle. The cost of key fobs could quickly add up. The latest key fobs could cost you up to $400, based on the brand and that's only for the key itself. You might also have to purchase an electronic backup key and then have it programmed. Before you shell out the cash, check with your warranty, auto insurance or roadside assistance policy to determine if they cover key fobs. Take a look online for a fob that matches your model and make. They can often be laser-cut and programmed at a fraction of the price the dealer will charge.

Transponder Keys

Since the 1990s, many automakers have added microchips to the key head to add an additional layer of security. This chip, known as transponder, Cost of a Replacement Car Key is a unique communication code with the vehicle. When the key is placed in the ignition, the code is broadcast to the immobilizer. If the code matches, the engine can be started. These keys are harder to duplicate than metal keys, and they also make the car less likely to be stolen. Car thieves have evolved to work around these systems.

Locksmiths require special equipment to detect the chip on the transponder, and then copy it onto the blank. This means it is more expensive than a normal flat metal key. The majority of transponder keys use batteries that need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Many people believe that a transponder is more expensive than a key fob, or a remote-head key (RHK). However, this is not the case. Certain of these keys can be duplicated at local hardware shops and are therefore less expensive than the replacement key that has to be programmed. These keys are also much cheaper than smart key, which is only available through dealers and ranges from $200 and $500.

Switchblade Keys

The days of misplacing keys to your car or loosing them was not a problem are long gone. Today, with the advancement of technology in cars keys, replacing them can cost you several hundred dollars.

Traditional keys are simple metal locks that fit into the ignition cylinder and allow you to unlock or lock your doors. They are inexpensive to replace at a hardware or locksmith store.

Transponder keys are an advanced version of traditional keys. They have a computer chip embedded in them that wirelessly connects the car that allows keys to be unlocked and to be used. The cost to replace this kind of key could be as high as $250, since the car must be reprogrammed in order to recognize it.

A car key with a switchblade often referred to as a VATS or PASS-Key, includes blades that fold up into the fob when not in use. It is possible to use the key by pressing the button to remove the blade. This type of key is more expensive to replace car keys cost than laser cut or basic keys as you will need to purchase a new blade with the key fob. This type of key requires a specific program from the dealer, which means you'll have to contact them directly for the replacement. The dealer could charge fees for this service. For these reasons, you should always keep a spare key to your car in a secure place.

Smart Keys

Smart keys are becoming more popular. They are key fobs that have a mechanical blade and transponder technology. They are able to unlock doors and, in some cases, start an automobile without having to take the key from one's pocket or purse. They usually store the settings of a vehicle for drivers by themselves, and some allow remote control of things like windows and sunroofs. These devices typically cost of replacing car keys over $100 and have to be programmed by an auto locksmith or dealer equipped 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 have to provide the VIN number of your vehicle for the dealership to match a key to your car.

Auto locksmiths are the cheapest and most convenient way to obtain an extra key for your vehicle. If you don't know your VIN, consider finding a duplicate car key from roadside assistance. Also, ask your insurance company if they are willing to do it for an affordable cost of a replacement car key (Read the Full Write-up). If you're unable to locate your VIN it can be found on the driver's dashboard, near the windshield wipers or in the engine compartment.