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What You Need to Know About Key Car Replacement The loss of your car keys can be a frustrating experience. There are many alternatives for replacing your keys that can help get you back on the road. One alternative is to visit the dealership. This is the most expensive option but it will provide you with a working key and fob. What is the cost? The cost of replacing the key in your car is contingent on the year, model, and make of the vehicle. Certain newer models have transponder chips on the keys that need to be connected to the vehicle by a dealership or auto locksmith before they operate, and this may increase the cost of replacement. The type of key also plays a role in the cost. Certain older mechanical keys can be replaced for a low cost however more sophisticated smart keys may need to be reprogrammed, or completely rebuilt. When determining the cost, the first thing you should be aware of is the type of key. Mechanical keys are easy and straightforward, and they can be replaced by a local locksmith for under $50. If you've got an advanced key which uses a transponder or key fob to open and start your vehicle it will cost significantly higher. The transponder needs to be linked to the key fob, which requires specialized equipment that is only available through an auto locksmith or a dealership. Key fobs are remotes with electronic controls that can be used to open doors and start a car. Some key fobs have a display which shows the status of your vehicle. Certain keys can cost as much as $500. If you lose your key, you will need to have it taken to the dealer and present proof of ownership papers. The dealer can order a replacement key for you and pair it with your vehicle. This process can take several days, which can add cost to your bill. If your car warranty is still in effect, you should carefully read the conditions and terms to determine what coverage you are entitled to for lost keys or fobs. Some companies offer a breakdown cover plan that provides key replacement policy. This will help you pay for the cost of replacing or reprogramming your car fob. In the end this is among the best ways to save money on these unexpected costs. What's the Process? The particulars of the process for replacing keys depend on your specific type of vehicle. If you have mechanical keys that are put into the lock and then turned, the process for key cutters or locksmiths will be fairly straightforward. Modern keys however are more secure and convenience features that make them more complex to replace. Certain key fobs are so different from conventional metal keys that they require a distinct key to open the doors and to start the engine. They are more difficult to duplicate and might require the assistance of a professional to program them, which can increase the cost. Your local auto locksmith is the best place to go for a cheap key replacement. They'll have the equipment necessary for this task and can usually get you back on your way in just a few minutes. Roadside assistance is also available, but they are typically more expensive. You can also get a replacement car key at a low cost by contacting your insurance company. Some providers offer a special add-on to this service It's essential to verify their terms and conditions prior to choosing this option. The process is quite simple if you have an older model with an iron key. A key cutter or locksmith can copy the original with little difficulty. If, however, your vehicle uses a transponder chip in the key, you'll need to take it to the dealership for a replacement. To order vehicle key replacement , the dealer will require your vehicle identification number and an original driver's licence. After they receive the key, they will need to program it in order that it works with your vehicle. The keyless entry remote must also be reprogrammed. This can be a long process depending on how complicated your vehicle's antitheft system. Find out if this service is covered by your warranty or insurance. What's the Time Frame? If you lose one of your keys and you have a spare you'll be able to have it replaced as soon as you can. What happens if you don't have the original key or spare? In this situation you'll need seek out a dealer or locksmith. The dealer will be able to provide you with a new key and programmed fob. The process can take several weeks. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of key you have. A locksmith or hardware shop can copy mechanical keys that are older. They'll require the original keys and some evidence of ownership, such as the title of your car or registration. If you own a brand new car that uses the key fob, you'll have go to the dealer to have it replaced. The dealership will have the equipment necessary to do this including laser cutting and programming equipment. The dealership will also be able utilize the car identification numbers (VINs) to determine which kind of key your vehicle makes use of. Another thing to consider is whether or whether your key fob is covered by a warranty or other coverage. Check to see if your key fob is covered by a warranty, an insurance policy, membership in an auto club or roadside assistance. The cost of a replacement key If your key has been used so often that it's beginning to show signs of wear and tear, it could be time for a replacement. This can include visible scratches or corrosion, or a key that is difficult to turn. If your key stops working suddenly, it could be an indication that it's been compromised by criminals. If this occurs it is recommended to replace the key as fast as possible to avoid your vehicle being stolen. It could be that the key cylinder has been damaged and will need to be replaced by an expert. In this scenario you'll probably need to pay a higher cost for a dealer-level key that matches the specific model of your car. What's the alternative? There are some alternatives to replacing your car keys, however they can be costly. A locksmith, for example, will cost more than a dealership, but will help you get back on roads faster. It is more expensive to call the local garage. The garage will likely not have the specialist key coding equipment that auto locksmiths carry They will need to get it from an expert. Some companies like AutoZone offer keys for cars, but they will use generic keys that don't match your original keys. If you decide to take this route, you'll have to bring along your VIN number so that they can determine the particular type of key you require. Another option is to contact a roadside assistance service and request them to tow your vehicle to a dealership to have the keys changed. It may take some time for them to get the key you need. You can also try to submit a claim to the insurance company that covers your car, but that will typically be more expensive and come with an upper limit on the number of times you can claim the insurance for. Contacting a locksmith for your car is the best method to get a new key for your vehicle. They have the equipment needed to replace your fob, and they'll be able to do it at a much lower price than the dealer. They can also complete the job faster, which is great when you're in a hurry. The other alternative is to call an emergency roadside assistance service, but this can be costly and you might have to wait a while before they can send someone to you.