Money saving tips before you replace an expensive key fob
Old fashioned car keys made it a lot easier to cut a new set, but with newer high tech fobs if you have to replace a fob it could cost you hundreds of dollars.
Before you replace a fob, there are a few things you should try to see if you’re current fob is still functioning and depending on your vehicle you may also be able to get an aftermarket fob a lot cheaper.
“The cost to replace the latest key fobs can cost as much as $400 or more depending on the brand. Then add another $20 to $130 to program the thing to work with your car and it could add up to $500 in some cases,” said Mike Quincy, Auto Editor with Consumer Reports.
Before shelling out any money for a replacement you should check your warranty, auto insurance or roadside assistance coverage to see if they cover the cost of replacing lost or damaged keys.
If your car is less than five years old, chances are you'll have to go directly to a dealership that has the equipment required to program a new key fob.
However, if you have a car that is a little older, you can likely save money by purchasing an aftermarket key fob.
“You can search online for fobs based on the make and model of your car. We found a number of options on Amazon and Walmart, along with online auto part stores for sometimes $200 less than the dealer,” said Quincy.
Many of these less advanced fobs can be laser cut and programmed by your local mechanic or locksmith, but if you're up for the challenge, you can also try programming it yourself.
Quincy advises “you'll find all the instructions in the owner's manual. Just know that most customer-programmable key fobs will require two current working keys in order to program the new one.”
If you do end up needing to get a new fob at the dealer, the process is pretty quick, taking about 15 to 30 minutes. For added convenience, a mobile locksmith can replace many fobs, programming and cutting the keys right in your driveway.
If your fob quits working it may not need to be replaced it could just need a new battery. Most use a coin style battery that you can replace yourself by checking the owner’s manual.
If it ever quits you should know almost all automakers hide a mechanical key inside the fob. There is usually a small button you push that allows the spare key to pop out, and that can help get you on the road until you get a new fob or battery.
Now that key fobs are so expensive you may want to take part in the War Amps Key Tag Service.
It’s a free service that accepts donations. A tag is attached to your keys and if you lose them and someone finds them, they call the number on the tag and the keys are mailed right to your door.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Being harassed at work? What to consider when deciding what to do next
If you've been the victim of workplace harassment, it can be difficult to feel you're not alone - and even more difficult to know where to go with a complaint.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Half of Canadians support TikTok ban, with U.S. concerns 'trickling' north: poll
A new poll indicates 51 per cent of Canadians support banning the social media app TikTok, after a U.S. bill aiming to do just that passed in the House of Representatives.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.