Need a Car Key Fob Replacement or Copy? How to Get Started

Today's car keys can remotely open doors, lift the gate, roll down windows and even start the ignition from yards away. They can also disappear if you're not careful.

What if you lose your key fob? What if it breaks?

What if you only ever got one key fob when you bought your car?

Car keys once were as simple as a house key. Any locksmith could cut ridges into a simple piece of metal to make a house or car key. Now, that piece of metal is hidden inside a key fob for plenty of cars made after 2010. (You might never use it unless you need to replace the key fob battery.) Instead of matching a mechanical lock, the car key fobs of today send unique signals that only your specific car will recognize to start the ignition.

How do you get a copy or a key fob replacement?

It will take more than a simple key cutter. That said, you have more options than only going to a new car dealership for car key replacement. In fact, an aftermarket key fob replacement could cost much less than one from a car maker.

That's good news if you accidentally leave your key fob in your jeans during laundry day. (True story.)

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How Much Does It Cost to Change a Key Fob?

Getting a new car key fob can cost between $40 and more than $100, depending on the fob type your car requires and who's replacing it.

Naturally, the more sophisticated the key fob, the more it costs.

You could get a basic key fob that can unlock doors and pop the trunk and holds the metal key for the ignition. All that remains is programming your car's functions (such as the doors or windows) into the key fob remote.

If you have a push start ignition instead of a key turn ignition, you can expect to pay more for a car key copy. That's because of a transponder chip in the key fob. A transponder key fob communicates with the ignition digitally before the ignition will start the car. Otherwise, it's a no-go.

Programming a transponder key fob takes special equipment, available at the right locations and locksmiths.

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To Get a Key Fob Replacement, You Need …

• Your car, a somewhat common vehicle. In most cases, your car does need to be present. Depending on the vehicle, the equipment might need to plug into the OBD-II port to program with the remote or it might need special communication to the radio sensors. If you drive a Toyota, Honda or Chevrolet, you might have an easy time getting a replacement. Replacement key fobs for a BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other foreign makes can only be done at a dealership.
• A key fob to copy. Sometimes, it doesn't require another key fob to program a copy, but it definitely helps you get to an expert. Otherwise, you might be towing your car to a dealership.
• An hour or so. Cutting and programming a key can take less time than an oil change if the parts are on hand. If your experts don't have the right aftermarket key fob for your car, they'll need to order it.

Car Key Fob Types: Which Key Fob Replacement Do You Need?

Your car may require one of three broad types of key fob styles. The key fob type will definitely affect how much it costs, how long it takes to replace and whether you can do it without going to a dealership.

A transponder key fob

This key fob type looks like a plastic key chain decoration with buttons to unlock the doors or remotely start the engine. Keep them in your pocket or purse, and your car will only respond to you.

It's not obvious, but these types of key fobs usually hide a key inside. Their hidden keys can be a laser-cut key (also known as a sidewinder key) or a basic, edge-cut key.

Also hidden is the unique chip that communicates with a car's ignition. Generally, if a car has a push start ignition, it'll have a transponder-style key fob.

A switchblade key fob or remote head key fob

This key fob looks like an advanced car key with buttons that could open car doors, roll down windows or activate the alarm. The only difference is whether you can see the key blade.

A remote key fob is a single unit with a prominent metal key blade and a larger plastic head with buttons to unlock the door or sound the alarm. A switchblade key fob (or flip-style key fob) is similar, except that it hides the key blade.

Do you need this fob style or the transponder key fob? One of the telltale signs is that your car won't start without turning a metal key in the ignition.

A remote fob with a key

This key fob is a separate unit from the key, like a 1990s-style keyless entry remote. It'll have buttons for the doors, alarm, trunk, etc. However, this fob isn't part of how your car starts. This key fob replacement can be relatively simple and inexpensive.