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What You Need to Know About Key Car Replacement Losing your car keys could be a frustrating experience. There are many alternatives for replacing your keys that can help get you back on the road. Another option is to go to the dealership. This is the most expensive, but it comes with a working key and fob. What is the cost? The cost of key car replacement is contingent upon the year and make of your car. Some newer vehicles have transponder chips in the keys that need to be connected to the vehicle by a dealership or auto locksmith before they function, and this could make a difference in the total cost of replacement. The kind of key also plays a part in the price. auto car key replacement can be replaced for a low cost and more advanced smart keys may have to be reprogrammed or even completely rebuilt. When determining the price the first thing you should be aware of is the type of key. Mechanical keys are easy and straightforward, and can be repaired by a locksmith in your neighborhood for less than $50. However, if you own a more advanced key that uses a transponder or a key fob to unlock and start your car, the price will be much higher. The transponder and the key fob will have to be programmed to connect with specialized equipment that is only available at a dealer or an auto locksmith. Key fobs can serve as electronic remote controls to open doors and start vehicles. Some key fobs have a display which shows the current status of your vehicle. Some keys cost as high as $500. You will need to tow your lost key to the dealer and show proof of ownership. The dealer will be able make a replacement key for you and then pair it electronically with your vehicle. This can take several days to complete, which could increase the cost of your service. If you have a warranty on your car that is still in force and you are able to read the terms of the warranty to see what coverage it offers for lost fobs or keys. For instance, some companies provide a breakdown protection plan that includes a key replacement insurance that will help pay for the expense of replacing or reprogramming your car's fob key. This is the best way to save money on unexpected costs. What's the Process? The process of replacing a key in your car is dependent on the type of vehicle you own. If you have an older mechanical key that simply inserts itself into your lock and turns it on, the procedure should be fairly easy for a locksmith or key cutter. Modern keys on the other hand they have a variety of security and convenience features that could make them more complex to replace. Certain key fobs are different from conventional metal keys that they require a distinct key to open the doors and to start the engine. They are generally more difficult to duplicate, and may need to be programmed by a professional, which can add to the cost. Thankfully, the most common method of obtaining a low-cost key replacement for your car is by going to your local auto locksmith. They'll have all the equipment necessary for this service and can generally get you back on your way in just a few minutes. Additionally, roadside assistance services can help with this process, however they're typically more expensive. Another option to get an inexpensive replacement for your car keys is through your insurance provider. Check the conditions and terms of your insurance provider prior to making a decision about this service. If you have an older model using a traditional metal key the process is fairly straightforward. A locksmith or key cutter will be able copy the original with little difficulty. However, if your vehicle uses a transponder chip in the key, you'll need to bring it to the dealership for a replacement. To purchase a new car key, the dealer will need your vehicle's identification number and a copy your driver's licence. Once they have received the key, they'll need to program it to work with your vehicle. The keyless entry remote will require reprogramming, which could be a lengthy process depending on the level of your vehicle's anti-theft system. It's also worth checking to see if this service is covered under your warranty or insurance policy. What is the time frame? If you have a spare key in case you lose your original key, you can get it replaced immediately. But what happens if you don't have the original key or a spare? In this situation you'll need seek out a dealer or locksmith. The dealer can provide you with a programed key and a new one. The process can take several weeks. It is contingent on your vehicle's make and model and the type of key you have. If you have older mechanical keys, an establishment like a hardware or locksmith can duplicate them for you. The original key, along with proof of ownership such a your car's registration or title will be required. If you have a newer automobile that is equipped with an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to have it replaced. The dealership has the equipment for this, including laser cutting machines and programming machines. They'll also be able utilize the vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine the kind of key your car has. Another thing to take into consideration is whether or the key fob you have is covered by warranties or other coverage. You should check your car's warranty insurance policy auto club membership or roadside assistance policy to see if this is the situation. The Cost of the Replacement Key It's probably time to replace your key if it is showing signs of wear. This can include visible rust or scratches, or even a sticky key that's hard to turn. If your key isn't working all of a sudden, it could be an indication that it has been compromised by criminals. If that is the situation, you'll need to replace it as soon as you can to prevent having your car stolen. It could be the case that the cylinder has been damaged and needs to be replaced by a professional. If this is the case you'll probably have to purchase a higher-cost dealer key that matches your car's model. What is the Alternative? There are many alternatives to replacing the key in your car, but some of them are more expensive. For example locksmiths generally cost more than a dealership, but they will likely be quicker in getting you back on the road. You could also call your local garage, but it will be more expensive. The garage will not have the equipment needed by an auto-locksmith carries. They will need to purchase it from a specialist. If you want to try this method, ensure that you bring the VIN number of your car to allow them to determine the exact type of key you need. If you decide to go this route, you will need to bring your VIN number to enable them to determine the particular type of key you require. You can also call an emergency roadside service that will tow your car to a dealership to get the replacement keys. It may take a few days for them to obtain the key you require. You can also try to file a claim with the insurance company that covers your car but this will usually be more expensive and comes with an upper limit on how many times you can file a claim for the coverage for. The best way to obtain an alternative car key is to call an auto locksmith as soon as possible. They'll have the specialist key coding equipment needed to replace your fob and can usually do it for significantly less than the dealer. They are also able to complete the job quicker and is a great option for those in a hurry. The other alternative is to contact a roadside assistance company however this could be expensive and you may need to wait for a while before they can get someone out to you.