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
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.