A key fob, otherwise known as a remote fob, is standard for most personal vehicles these days. Many car keys come with an attached remote fob with buttons that can lock and unlock the vehicle from a distance as well as the trunk or back hatch, depending on the type of vehicle. Key fobs were created for convenience, making it faster to unlock all of the vehicle’s doors at once. It is especially helpful on rainy days.
On the other hand, what is not convenient is the hassle of having your key fob reprogrammed. If your key fob gets lost, broken, or the battery dies, you’ll need the help of a professional. And that comes at a cost. You have two options: go to a dealership of your car’s manufacturer, or go to an automotive locksmith.
Dealership or Locksmith, Which is the Better Choice?
Whether you should go to the dealership or a locksmith depends on one thing: do you want to save money? If you want to pay less for key fob programming, you’ll want to skip the dealership and visit a locksmith. A locksmith offers lower prices as well as other advantages over the dealership.
Call an Automotive Locksmith and Save Money
While it does cost less to utilize the services of a locksmith, you may still be wondering about pricing. How much does a locksmith charge to program a key fob? The price can range anywhere from $50 to $200. The actual price depends on a few different factors, such as:
- Type of key fob. If the key fob includes a transponder key or keyless ignition it could cost more to reprogram than a simple key fob. Transponder keys include computer chips that have to be in place for the car to start. Trying to reprogram an old key fob from a different vehicle may not work in your current vehicle if there is a computer chip required.
- Make and model of your car. Some manufacturers make it more difficult to reprogram a key fob. While that is great from a security standpoint, it’s not so great when you have to replace or reprogram the key fob as it drives up the cost.
- Average cost of locksmith services in your area. Locksmiths must stay competitive with each other to stay in business. The cost in one state or city may vary from others depending on the average cost of key fob programming services. You’ll still save money with a locksmith over the local dealership, regardless of your geographic location.
When You Might Need Your Key Fob Programmed
There are a few different scenarios that may result in the need for key fob programming. These situations include:
- Lost key fob. If you lose your key fob, one way to save money is to have an old key fob reprogrammed to work with your current vehicle. This can sometimes be done depending on the complexity of your vehicle and the key fob. You can also order generic key fobs that can be programmed to use with most makes and models of vehicles.
- Broken key fob. If your key fob gets broken or stops working for any reason, it may need to be reprogrammed. This can happen if keys are submerged in water or if some other accident occurs. Key fobs can sometimes be repaired and reprogrammed, but may need to be replaced if the damage is too great.
- Dead battery in your key fob. If the battery completely dies in your key fob, replacing the batter alone may not be enough. A completely dead battery can cause the key fob to lose its memory, resulting in the need for reprogramming once the battery is replaced.
Texas Premier Locksmith Can Program your Key Fob for Less
If you experience any problems with your key fob, save money by calling an automotive locksmith. Texas Premier Locksmith specializes in automotive lock and key services for virtually every make and model of vehicle. We can reprogram your key fob for less than dealership prices.
Call (866) 948-8188 today or request a quote. Texas Premier Locksmith can save you money on your automotive key needs.