The days of replacing a lost key by having a standard key cut at your local hardware store are over. Today, most cars come with feature advanced systems either with a push-button start system, keyless entry, or both. Although a modern car key fob adds convenience, replacing key fobs can be very expensive. Here are the steps to follow when circumstances necessitate car key fob replacement.
How to Replace a Lost Car Key Fob
Types of Car Keys and Remotes
- The basic key with a security chip starts the car and locks and unlocks the doors through the key cylinder on the door.
- An ignition key with a remote to lock and unlock doors.
- A key fob with remote locking and unlocking and a push-button start.
- A key fob with a push-button entry that owners can keep on them for almost all functions.
Check your Vehicle’s Warranty
Before paying for a new key fob, check your car’s basic warranty and insurance to see if they cover lost or damaged keys. Some extended warranties and new-car dealers offer key fob insurance.
How much does it cost to replace a key fob?
The replacement cost of a key fobs can run anywhere from $50 to $400 depending on the brand and type of fob (e.g; switchblade keys, transponder key, or keyless entry remote). Keep in mind that this is only for the fob. Depending on the model of your car it will cost another $50 to $100 to get the replacement programmed to work with your car and to get a new mechanical backup key made.
When to contact a dealer for a replacement
If your car was built within the last five years, a new-car dealer will be the best option for a replacement key fob. This is due to the costly programming equipment that is required.
Although it might be tempting to search online for a cheaper key fob, chances are the car won’t work with aftermarket key fobs. Dealers can not warranty aftermarket key fobs. If they do try to program the key fob and it doesn’t work, you will still need to pay for the labor.
The good news is that it does not take long for the dealer to program a new car key fob. Programming a new key fob typically takes around 15-30 minutes. The whole process, including cutting the new mechanical key, shouldn’t take longer than an hour.
Retail Options
Should your car be ten years or older, it is more likely that you will be able to use an aftermarket key fob replacements. Many of the less advanced fobs can be programmed by your local mechanic or an automotive locksmith.
Certain retailers including Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and KeylessOption.com offer numerous low-cost car key remotes. Be sure to contact your local locksmith first to confirm that they are able to handle the job since the level of key fob programming equipment varies.
When to call a local locksmith
Contacting a locksmith for help is another potential way to save money and time. Locksmiths are typically mobile, which means they can drive to your house or wherever the car sits waiting for its new key.
Some locksmiths cost 30 to 50 percent less than car dealerships. Since most of them are mobile, they can cut out the inconvenience and cost of towing. Many locksmiths are available 24 hours which is another plus point.
Replacement Shells
In certain cases, a key fob will still function, but the buttons are worn. It is possible to remove the internal circuitry from the old fob and move it into a new shell. A new shell can be ordered from your dealer.
Lastly, we advise to always have a spare key fob. If you ever find yourself down to one key, order another one immediately.
Why Key Fob Replacement Costs Vary
Understanding the Factors Behind Key Fob Replacement Prices
The cost of replacing a key fob can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include:
- Make and Model of Your Vehicle: Different car manufacturers use different technologies, and the complexity of the key fob system can vary widely. For example, luxury car brands like Mercedes-Benz or BMW often require more sophisticated fobs, which come with higher replacement costs.
- Complexity of the Key Fob System: Basic key fobs are generally cheaper to replace than advanced systems with additional features. These can include remote start, keyless entry, push-button start, and even biometric security systems.
- Additional Features: Key fobs equipped with more advanced features such as keyless entry or push-button start often cost more due to the added technology and programming required. Features like proximity sensors or the ability to control vehicle settings remotely also increase the overall price.
- Programming and Technology: More modern vehicles typically require specialized equipment to program new key fobs, which adds to the overall cost.
This is especially true for cars built in the last five years, where dealers need to use advanced technology to sync the new fob to your vehicle.
Luxury vehicles and those with cutting-edge technology typically have higher replacement costs due to the complexity of both the fob itself and the programming required to make it work with your vehicle.
Additional Information: Car Theft on the Rise, Thanks to Key Fobs and Sloppy Owners
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