The days of simply inserting a metal key into a car door are long past, unless you have a classic car. Today’s cars come with key fobs where you simply press a button on the fob to open the door. In many cases you can also press a button on the key fob to open the trunk or hatch and to start the vehicle remotely. Modern key fobs also contain security features such as a panic alarm and transponder which is embedded in the key fob and must be present for the car to start.
These conveniences are wonderful, but if you lose a key fob, there may be a hefty price tag for a replacement fob.
Our locksmith company has some useful information to keep in mind when it comes to key fobs.
If you lease a car and were given a set of key fobs for the car, your lease agreement will generally specify that you must turn both key fobs in or pay a penalty for a missing key fob.
The first thing you should do is to check your new car or extended car warranty, your car insurance policy or your roadside assistance coverage because any one of these sources may cover the cost of lost or damaged key fobs.1
Before filing a claim on your car insurance it is best to determine the cost of the key fob replacement and programming as the total cost may be lower than your deductible (the amount you pay before the insurance company pays the claim).
The second thing you should do is to make sure you can provide proof that you own the vehicle.
A locksmith or car dealership team member will generally require that you provide a driver’s license and proof that you own the vehicle, such as a title. They will match the name on your license to the owner’s name on the title of the vehicle. They will also match the vehicle identification number on the title to the VIN plate on the vehicle to ensure that you are the lawful owner of the vehicle.
Since key fobs run the gamut from simply unlocking a door, to remotely starting a car, to providing advanced theft deterrents it is best to first check with a locksmith to see if they have the capability to replace and reprogram the key fob for your particular vehicle.
Key fobs for certain vehicles are only available through a car dealership because of the vehicle’s advanced security system or complex technology. If the locksmith determines that they can assist you they can provide a replacement key fob or you can purchase an aftermarket key fob that will function just like the factory unit.
For proper functioning purchasing a key fob specifically for your vehicle make and model is recommended rather than purchasing a generic universal key fob.2 If you have purchased the correct key fob on your own the locksmith will then program it to work with your car.
It is recommended that you not purchase a programmed key fob online. While this may seem like the cheapest and easiest option, most often the key fobs don’t work.3 When you press a button on your key fob it sends a unique, low-frequency radio signal to a receiver unit in your vehicle. If the signal is correct, the key fob will function.
If not, you have wasted your money by buying online. A faulty key fob can also be a target for hackers and thieves.4
Costs for replacing key fobs vary greatly depending on the vehicle. According to Kelley Blue Book’s survey of dealers across the country in 2022 dealerships quoted the cost of replacing a 2020 Subaru Forester or Toyota Sienna fob at $200 to $400; a 2017 Honda Accord at $150; and a BMW 2020 X5 at roughly $500.5
Generally locksmiths, if they are able to provide the service for your vehicle, are a more economical choice. Another advantage of having this service done by a locksmith is that they often have a mobile unit that can meet you at home or at work and they are generally available for emergency work, day and night.
As a trusted and dependable locksmith company in Michigan, we aim to keep residents safe by providing skilled locksmith services to homes and businesses throughout the Tri-County area. Our experienced team can handle just about any lock out situation, door lock issue, security and key system installation as well as bring your business up to code. We love what we do and are here to help. Connect with us anytime for locksmith services you can rely on!
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1 How to Replace Your Car’s Key Fob, by Mike Monticello, 5/4/2019
Link: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/how-to-replace-your-car-key-fob-a4802255222/
2 What to Know About Replacing a Key Fob by Benjamin Hunting, 9/26/2023
Link: https://www.capitalone.com/cars/learn/finding-the-right-car/what-to-know-about-replacing-a-key-fob/2640
3, 4 How to Replace or Repair Your Car’s Key Fob by Nancy Dunham and Marc Saltzman, 9/26/2023
Link: https://www.aarp.org/auto/car-maintenance-safety/key-fob-repair-and-replacement-tips/
5 Key Fob Replacement: What You Need to Kow by Andrew Ganz, 11/01/2022
Link: https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/key-fob-replacement/