Almost all modern cars are fit with transponder key fobs that make accessing and operating your vehicle much easier. Key fobs are pretty much car remote controls – so replacing one isn’t as easy as manually copying a physical key, but will require a bit of expert programming. While replacing a transponder key is usually more expensive than a manual metallic key, there’s still many choices you can make as a customer to reduce the cost of replacing your key fob. In this blog post, the automotive locksmith experts at Top Locksmith will give you some details on the factors that determine the cost of key fob replacements.
How Much do the Parts Cost?
The final price of your key fob replacement is determined by how much the parts of the replacement key fob costs. This includes the casing of the key fob, it’s internal wiring, it’s batteries, and any assorted accessories. This cost is a baseline, on top of which the cost of programming, and some other factors, will be added.
Where you’re Replacing your Key Fob
Common places to receive key fobs replacement are automotive dealerships and through the help of a licensed automotive locksmith. The cost of key fob replacement strongly hinges on what avenue you choose to pursue to get your key fob replaced. As a general rule, locksmith key fob replacement is much more affordable and budget friendly than a car dealership key fob replacement, even when service charges and travel costs are included.
What type of Key Fob is being replaced?
This depends on what model of car you need a key fob replacement for. Certain very common cars have tons of key fob blanks on the market, which will lead to cheaper replacement charges. However, if you have a rare or luxury vehicle, the cost of a key fob blank – as well as the programming procedure – will be much higher than if the car is a general market vehicle.
Programming Time and Skill
Key fobs are technically complex little gadgets, built with a focus on heightened connectivity and function. It’s best to only have someone who’s professionally skilled in the programming of key fobs to vehicles to carry out this operation. The ease and time required for programming a key fob also depends on the complexity and type of key fob you’re working with – however, a professional automotive locksmith expert, like those at Top Locksmith can handle this operation with no problem at all – all in all, making a professional locksmith key fob programming operation much cheaper than the same service performed at an automotive dealership.