Learning About Home Decor Elements

With advancements in technology nowadays, you no longer need to put your car key in the ignition in order to turn your car on. Many cars rely on electronic car keys that basically function as a fob. You only need to be within a certain vicinity of the car to unlock and lock your car and turn your car on. Although convenient, electronic car keys are expensive to replace. In general, the cost of replacing a fob can run you anywhere from $50 to $90 at the dealership, and some will even charge extra to reprogram the key for you. The cost of replacing an electronic car key for higher-end luxury cars can be even more costly. If you've lost your keys or if it's malfunctioning and need to be replaced, the following 3 tips can help you save money.

Look for Reprogrammable Aftermarket or Used Key Fobs

The funny thing about electronics is that you often don't need to purchase the parts from the manufacturer. If you're looking to replace an electronic car key, consider looking for re-programmable aftermarket or used key fobs that are compatible with the make and model of your car. This will reduce the price of the replacement significantly, as you won't have to purchase it from the dealership, and the car key will still function in the same way.

If you want to save even more money, see if you can reprogram the car key yourself without bringing it into the dealership. Your owner's manual might have instructions on how to reprogram the car key for your car. At times, it's as simple as pressing several buttons. Reprogramming the key yourself is free, whereas getting the dealership to reprogram the car key for you might cost you several hundred dollars in labor at times.

Check the Manufacturer's Warranty, Dealership Agreement or Even Your Insurance for Coverage

You'd be surprised at just how much coverage is extended to you via the manufacturer's warranty, any agreements you've made with the dealership at the time of purchasing the car, and even via your insurance policy. In most cases, one of these policies will fully cover the cost of getting an electronic car key replacement. For example, the manufacturer might provide a warranty that will replace your car key should it malfunction within a specific amount of time after the car has been purchased. The dealership might offer you one free key replacement for your business.

If your auto insurance policy offers coverage for an electronic car key replacement, compare the deductible that you have to pay with the total estimated cost of replacing your car keys.

See If You Can Opt for Just a Basic Key For Now

If you simply don't have money to spare, consider simply using a basic car key that isn't electronic for the time being. Although an electronic car key is very convenient, it's usually not necessary and not the only way that you can go about operating your vehicle. Most cars will also give you the option of using a basic key to unlock and lock the doors and turn on the ignition. The only difference is that you're not going to be able to get away with only having the key on your person. You actually have to place it in the lock or in the ignition.

A basic car key will only cost you several dollars. In fact, in many situations, the manufacturer will have already provided you with one in your owner's manual or somewhere in the car. You won't even have to buy it. If you don't have one handy, call an auto locksmith at a company like Top Security Locksmiths for help.

Conclusion

Electronic car keys are convenient, but they are also expensive. They can be costly to replace should you misplace yours or should it malfunction. Try the tips mentioned above to see whether you can save some money when looking for a replacement.