What does it profit a man that he can drive a car, but just to shed more cash over a lost or damaged key fob? Long gone are the days when all that one had to do was press a simple button and unlock or lock his car with his existing keys. Today, key fobs have accentuated their significance when it comes to cars; they have made locking, unlocking, and starting the engine easier. But their replacement depends on various factors. Whether you just lost your car key fob or damaged it, break up each cost because it will help you know the cost breakdown.
Here, we will also look at how much one can expect to pay for the replacement of a key fob, its influencing factors, and how A+ Locksmith & Keys caters to car key replacement Orlando.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Key Fob Replacement
Costs vary for more reasons than one reason when replacing a key fob. Here are the key elements that determine the price:
1. Make and Model of Your Car
Different manufacturers employ different types of key fobs, depending on the car’s make and model; the complexity of the fob differs per car’s make and model. Luxury cars and newer models usually come with elaborate fobs, traditionally fitted with remote start, keyless entry, and push-to-start functionality. All these options increase the replacement cost, showing how replacing a key fob for luxury cars like BMW or Mercedes could cost much more than replacing one for more affordable models from Honda or Toyota.
2. Type of Key Fob
In addition to the type of key fob, other factors will need to be examined. Key fob types are widely recognized:
- Basic Key Fob: This simple fob only unlocks and locks your vehicle, and a basic replacement would cost anywhere from $40 to $100.
- Transponder Key Fob: Slightly more sophisticated in design, the transponder incorporates a chip inside the fob to communicate with the car’s ignition for added security. Replacing the transponder key fob would cost between $75 and $150.
- Smart Key Fob (Push-to-Start): Push-to-start keys are the most sophisticated, with more access control technologies involving keyless entry and push-to-start.
3. Where You Get the Replacement
Where the replacement service is carried out can affect the prices. Generally, these dealers will charge much more for overhead expenses and parts specific to the brand. A good company locksmith, like A+ Locksmith & Keys Orlando, can help you get fabulous services at reduced costs when replacing your key fob. Often, locksmiths charge less than dealerships and possess the necessary devices and know-how to program the fob on-site, ensuring easy access and the non-collection of hefty dealership markup.
4. Programming Fees
Key fobs are not merely physical items but also require programming so that they work properly with your car’s security system.
Many key fobs come equipped with either a chip or a transponder that requires programming to work with your car. If you’re having a dealer replace your key fob, programming fees may increase your total cost by anywhere from $50 to $150.
A+ Locksmith & Keys offers much more comprehensive services, including key fob cutting and programming, usually at a fraction of dealership prices. We do fast and reliable car key replacement in Orlando, ensuring your fob is fully functional with your vehicle.
5. Additional Cost
There may be instances where you might need an additional service, such as a replacement key blade or battery, or you may even need to reprogram your car’s security system. Such expenses will compound the overall price of your replacement key fob, but with A+ Locksmith & Keys, this will prove affordable. Therefore, you will not need to overpay for extra services that do not apply to you.
Tips for Saving Money on Key Fob Replacement
Although these tips can help save some bucks on replacing your key fob:
- Shrewd Locksmith: As discussed earlier, locksmiths provide a facility to replace keys at lower prices than dealerships. A+ Locksmith & Keys provides affordable yet very high-quality services for key fob replacement and programming in Orlando.
- Search for Spares: If the original key fob was lost, check for any spare fobs that could be used after reprogramming.
- Purchase Online: Sometimes, replacement key fobs are available for cheap online, but always ensure it is the right one for your car.
Conclusion
The cost of replacing a key fob varies with the type and make of the car, and would also depend on what key fob it would be and where it goes, with any extra service needing to be considered. This makes it easy for dealerships to offer one-stop shopping. A+ Locksmith & Keys considers providing the best price offer with fast and reliable car key replacement Orlando. No doubt, delivering quality services at affordable prices, whether you need a basic key fob replacement, transponder key, or smart key replacement, rely on A+ Locksmith & Keys for all your key fob needs.