How to Save Money on Replacement Car Keys It can be a hassle to find replacement keys for your car There are many options, including going to the dealership or getting a locksmith to do it for you Basic keys that aren't fobs should cost less than 20 Fobs however, need to be modified, which requires special machines usually only found at a dealership Cost The cost of replacement keys for cars can differ based on a variety of variables, including the type of key used and the make and model of your vehicle More secure keys and fobs are often more expensive, however, the additional security features can reduce theft Lessees and owners of cars can use the following methods to save money when replacing lost keys Make sure to check your insurance policy first to see if they cover the cost of replacement keys If you don't have insurance you may be able to purchase a key from the manufacturer or an aftermarket version This is a particularly good option if you own a more traditional or older model car, as these types of keys are less complicated and expensive to duplicate than modern keys Another way to save is to purchase a spare car key before you lose the original This is a good idea when you have cash, since it will keep you from having pay for a locksmith or dealer to replace the key The spare key can also be used to open and lock your car in case you lose your original key Transponder keys are required for cars that are more sophisticated or modern These keys contain an inductor which sends an electronic message to the car that allows it to recognize the key as genuine and allow you into the vehicle or start the motor This procedure is more complicated than simply cutting a key and requires a specialist It can be expensive and the total price is usually more than 500 If you have a traditional or older-style key, you'll typically locate a cheaper replica at a hardware store or a locksmith The more advanced and secure transponder keys must be paired with your vehicle by a locksmith or an auto dealer This could cost you more than 100, and more for vehicles that are equipped with remote transmitters or keys fobs You can save money by visiting the dealer that sells your car's brand If it's a Honda go to the Honda dealer, etc Security It wasn't too long ago that misplacing the car key wasn't an issue You could get a replacement at any hardware store, locksmith, or even your dealership As automobiles have become more advanced in technology, so has the requirement to keep them secure from thieves That's why it's important to keep a spare key in the car and keep it in a safe place If you've lost your car keys, it's important to know what kind of key they were This will affect the amount it costs to replace them, as keys that are more secure tend to be more expensive Transponder keys, for instance, are more expensive than basic keys because they have an electronic chip inside the head that is linked to your vehicle This means that your car can only be re-started by a key that is valid In addition to the cost of the key, you will have to pay for the reprogramming of your car to accept a brand new key This is usually handled by a professional, however it's possible to do at home There are a variety of ways to program a new key, such as using an application or downloading the data directly from the computer in your car However this method is less reliable and requires a great deal of technical knowledge Another way to reduce the cost of replacing your car keys is by installing the keyless entry system This will make it difficult for thieves to take your vehicle by using the code or fingerprints to unlock it This will also prevent your car from starting when someone tries to use the wrong fingerprint or code To avoid losing your car keys in the future, you can make a spare key and give it to a family member for safe keeping It is also recommended to purchase a steering wheel lock, which will stop thieves from driving away with your car until you remove it These devices aren't foolproof however they can make it harder for thieves to steal your car They may even encourage them to look for another vehicle You can also check that the security features of your car are working correctly by changing the fob on your key The availability There are several options for replacing your car key, depending on the type of key that you have The most affordable alternative is to call an auto locksmith, which can be accomplished by locating one on the internet or by using a mobile phone app You can also get a key from a dealer, but it will cost you more You may also be able to avail a key replacement service from your car insurance provider, but this depends on the policy's terms and the type of car you have It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys or having them stolen wasn't a big deal You could find a replacement at your local hardware store, or the locksmith Today's vehicles are much more technologically advanced, and a replacement key can be more difficult to make and even more expensive Basic keys that are the traditional lock-and-key design used in older cars, are simple to replace and are relatively cheap These keys usually don't contain a transponder, which is necessary to start the vehicle Transponder keys are more expensive and consist of a head made of plastic with a unique pattern that helps stop unauthorized ignition The next step in the typical replacement of a car key is to program the new key to your car You can read the instructions in your car's owner's guide or download a mobile application You can also engage an expert, but it will cost more Once the key has been programmed and you are able to use it to unlock and start your vehicle It is always a smart idea to keep an extra car key, however, it is equally important to be aware of the options available in the event of losing them You can use a locksmith or roadside assistance insurance company to aid in the process If you have a key that is intelligent, you'll need to contact your dealership and wait for a few days to receive a https//wwwmaiabeltrantop/automotive/your-go-to-guide-for-replacement-keys-for-car/ Time is a major factor In the past losing your car keys wasn't an issue You could easily replace your car keys at a local hardware store or locksmith As cars have evolved in terms of technology and costly to replace them has also increased Depending on the model and make it could be anywhere from to hundreds of dollars It is important to always have an extra key If you're likely to lose your keys It's recommended to keep a spare one in the trunk or on your person You can also have a functioning car in the event you lose yours You can also avoid losing your keys by using a large keychain or keychain You should also replace your key if it's showing signs of wear and tear A damaged key could break or bend which could cause a lock to become jammed or a damaged key It is possible that turning the key is more difficult than usual This is an indication of wear and wear on the key and lock the cylinder Another indicator that it's time to replace your car keys is if they don't work anymore This could be an indication that a criminal has copied your key, or your key fob It's also recommended to replace your keys when they are beginning to show signs of corrosion or are beginning to fade Keys made of metal will get rusty and fade over time Depending on the model and make You can decide to replace your car keys by a dealership or a professional locksmith Dealerships typically have all the information regarding your vehicle's security which means they can provide you with the new key fast Professional locksmiths, on other hand can work with vehicles of any make and model Before you call a key replacement service, make a note of the VIN number of your car This information will be needed to identify your vehicle and the key that matches Your VIN can be located on the dashboard, the engine block, or in the trunk