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Replacement Keys For Cars Losing car keys happens to the best of us. They tend to slip out of coat pockets or under couch cushions, only to be found at the most inconvenient times. Fortunately keys for replacement for cars aren't as difficult to find as they once were. You can get them replaced at auto locksmiths, hardware shops, and dealerships. Lost or Stolen Keys Car keys can get stolen or lost in various ways. Sometimes they break, other times they're lost or left in a place where they can be easily located. Sometimes, they just get worn down to the point that they cease to function. Whatever the reason it is a good idea to have a spare car key in order to save the cost and hassle of having one replaced. Contact your local locksmith right away if you have lost your keys. They are likely to make you a replacement key for less than it will cost at a dealership. The locksmith can also program the features of your car, such as hands-free boot opening, right on the moment of the call. Be sure to have your VIN number when you call. This is required to determine the exact year and model of the vehicle in order to make an entirely new key. It is located on your dashboard or in the registration or title paperwork of your vehicle. Depending on the type of key you have it could be more costly to purchase a new one at the dealership. Dealerships keep the track of this information, and are capable of obtaining a new key quickly. You can also purchase an authentic factory-replacement key that has all of the latest security features. On the other side, if you own the standard turn-key type of key, it is cheaper to go to an auto locksmith in your area. Locksmiths can make a replacement key for much less than the dealer, and they can often come to you onsite. The only exception is when you have transponder keys which are programmed to work for the specific vehicle. Locksmiths can usually create keys for you but they cannot program them. You'll need to bring it to your dealer to have it programmed. Fob Keys If you have a fob to open and start your vehicle, or if the fob is damaged and you need an alternative. Fob keys are available at the locksmiths, dealers, or in some instances, you can purchase one online. The cost varies widely depending on the model and make of your car and whether it has a transponder key or not. A basic fob that sends a signal to open the doors and start the engine could be replaced by a locksmith or dealer for less than $300. A key that has a transponder chip that proves the driver is the owner or a more advanced key, may be more costly. This is particularly relevant for cars that are late in their production. Keep a spare fob or key with you at all times to avoid money on replacements. If you can't afford to carry a spare along with you then ask the dealer to include two sets of keys as part of the purchase price or add a 3rd set to to avoid paying a larger fee later on. You can find laser-cut aftermarket keys online for a much lower price than those sold by dealers. Some online sellers can program the new fob for you, but that may void any warranty on the original key and could be illegal in some states. Before you decide to replace a broken fob, you can try charging the battery or resetting it. A dead battery could be the cause of the fob not working or isn't programmable. It's also possible that the buttons on a fob can become stuck or damaged and adjusting them can fix the problem. If none of these solutions work, a dealership may be the only option unless you can locate an automotive locksmith who has the tools to work with the latest models. Dealers are usually the most expensive, but also have the deepest knowledge of the latest technology and systems. However, they may take an extended time to repair your car and aren't guaranteed to offer the best prices. Transponder Keys Transponder keys or chip keys are a modern key type that has an embedded computer chip in the. The chip transmits an encoded signal to the vehicle every time the key cylinder is inserted. The car will use this code to start the engine and open the doors. These are much harder to steal and are is a great way to deter thieves. A professional automotive locksmith can cut an inexpensive replacement transponder (chip) for your vehicle at a lower cost than what the dealer will charge. It is important to note that you'll still need to have the key programmed to match the code in your vehicle's ECM in the event that you replace an existing one. If you already have an original transponder, you can get a duplicate made. You will not be able to start your vehicle since many vehicles come with immobilizer systems that require a specific key to function. In the past, it was very easy to heat wire the car. This is the process of running two wires, from the car's engine to a power source in a different location, such as an apartment. The car then starts when the starter is turned on. Transponder keys make it difficult for thieves to steal this as the thief needs the correct key to transmit the coded signal from the chip inside the key to the car's ignition system. If your car has an immobilizer, it will not start if you're using no transponder. This is why it's important to always have a spare transponder key in your pocket or purse, just in case. If you lose your spare key, you'll need contact your local locksmith for automotive or the dealer to clone the lost key in order to restart your car. Dealers will charge a higher fee for this service, as they have exclusive rights to make keys for specific car brands. Smart Keys Keys If you own a more modern model vehicle, it is likely that your car key has an intelligent element inside it. These devices, which are often referred to as proximity keys, remotes, or fobs, enable drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without using the physical keys of their car. The technology isn't new, but it was only available in high-end automobiles at the time. Basically smart keys communicate with vehicle via a wireless signal through radio waves. The signals are encrypted and only your vehicle is able to read the signals. Some keys have an option to turn on your car's ignition or locks. Other keys may also have GPS technology that determines the location of your vehicle if stolen. The key could be a small key fob or embedded into the handle. In either case, if you lose it, you'll likely need to visit your dealership or auto locksmith to assist in replacing it. This is because smart keys aren't the standard traditional key and only a car dealer can replace them. How car fob key replacement will cost will depend on the model and make of your car and the kind of key you have. A standard key with an lock-and-key mechanism will cost $10 to $12. Transponder keys, on other hand, will be more expensive. You'll usually need to bring the spare smart key along with evidence of ownership to the dealer to get it replaced. Some experts warn against the security of smart keys because they can be hacked by someone who knows what to look for. Smart keys, for instance, transmit signals at a lower frequency than other devices. This makes them simple to pick up at a gas station. This kind of hack can even operate from a distance according to How Stuff Works Electronics. Smart keys are becoming increasingly popular and more practical. They help keep cars safe and give owners peace of mind, and help them stay organized. It's a good idea to invest in one however, make sure you have a backup key in your car, in case you need it.