.

In fact, more car manufacturers are embracing the benefits of remote technology as it has improved and become more popular. More and more, they are crafting vehicles with key fobs that can unlock vehicles remotely.

But dealerships don’t want you to know too much about your options. Let’s discuss what you need to know, whether it’s legal to make a new key fob without the dealer’s permission and whether you can use an auto locksmith to create or duplicate a key fob. 

What You Need to Know About Key Fobs

With a key fob, the owner can simply press a button to open the door, and many have a feature that lets you press a button remotely to start the car.

Unfortunately, if a car owner misplaces his or her key fob, or wants to make an extra copy, the dealership may claim that they have proprietary rights over the device. As such, only they can make a copy and program it, which comes with an absurd fee. 

While creating a new key fob—as well as programming it to work with your car—may require the assistance of a professional, a skilled locksmith can aid you with this effort for less money and without requiring you to head back to the dealership for help.

Is It Legal to Make A New Key Fob?

First off, is this even legal? Some dealers may assert that creating a new key fob is against the law if this task is not performed by a licensed operator. While this may be the case with a leased or rented car, it is within your rights to make as many copies as you would like with a vehicle you completely own. 

Can You Use a Locksmith for a Key Fob?

Getting a key fob programmed to operate with your car is not an extensive task. While you should not attempt to make a copy yourself, a professional locksmith can help you create a new key fob in relatively short order.

If you have lost the key fob to your new car, or you would like a new one made to give to a friend or a family member, don’t head back to the dealership. Instead, reach out to the auto security professionals at A-1 Locksmith today. We have experience programming all types of key fobs, and we have been offering our expertise to residents of DFW for more than 65 years. Our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau speaks volumes.

Call us today at (972) 284-7500 to learn how we can help you with your car keys and key fobs.

Automobile and house keys are no exception. Just because something is available online, though, doesn’t mean it’s a wise decision. From warranty issues to low-quality materials, there are several reasons to avoid purchasing home and auto keys online. 

Let’s go over a few of them.

1. Modern keys are complicated.

When you don’t get a key from a professional locksmith or dealer, you can’t guarantee it will work—especially if it’s a car key. Modern vehicles feature advanced electrical components, precise cutting and specific programming. The online retailer might not accept refunds, either, so if the key doesn’t work, you’re out of luck.

2. The quality of the keys isn’t guaranteed.

Dealers and locksmiths follow strict guidelines when it comes to materials and machinery. Online retailers don’t necessarily do the same thing. In fact, many online retailers use the cheapest materials and construction methods available to keep costs down. This results in a low-quality key.

3. You’re not really saving that much money.

The cost difference between an online key retailer and a professional locksmith isn’t significant, especially when you consider that the latter includes warrantied work, high-quality parts and labor, and satisfaction guarantees. 

4. You likely won’t get a warranty, either.

Locksmiths and dealers care about their reputation, which is why they value experience, licenses and partnerships with professional organizations. As such, they often warranty their work. Online key retailers don’t rely on industry-recognized skill sets as much, and often don’t include warranties.

5. There’s less peace of mind.

Overall, you’re going to have less confidence in a key that you purchase online. If you’re talking about security for something as important as a car or house, do you really want to trust an anonymous person online who could potentially keep a copy of your key on file? Do you realy want something that controls access to your house or car going through the mail? With a professional locksmith, you can have peace of mind about your key purchase.

If you’re in need of a new automobile or home key, trust a professional locksmith instead of an online store. Contact the A-1 Locksmith team today for a consultation.

One thing’s for sure, though: if you have a car manufactured within the last 10 years, it likely has a key fob. So what happens when your key fob has an issue? If you think you need a key fob replacement, here are some tips to do it the right way:

1. Don’t Go Straight to a Dealer

It might seem like the easiest option to go straight to your dealer for a key fob replacement, but you might want to think twice about this idea. For starters, it can be much more expensive to go to a dealer than your other options. Secondly, you might have to endure a lengthy wait. Then there’s always the possibility that it might just need a simple repair. While you might have to go to a dealer depending on your automobile’s manufacturer, other options will save you time and money.

2. See If It Can Be Reprogrammed or Repaired

Sometimes, a key fob is working correctly, but there’s a problem with the outer shell. Other times, the fob simply needs to be reprogrammed. Either option is cheaper than replacing the entire key fob, so make sure that you don’t need a replacement first.

3. Make Sure You Have at Least Two Fobs on Hand

Whether your key fob is lost or damaged, it’s a good idea to have a spare on hand. If you lose the only key fob you own, you’ll be in a tough situation. If you’re down to one, get a second fob made while you can.

4. Check Your Warranty

Before you pay for that key fob replacement, check your warranty to see if a damaged or lost key fob is eligible for replacement. This applies to extended warranties as well.

5. See if an Aftermarket Fob Is an Option

As hinted at in the first tip, some car manufacturers (like Audi) design their key fobs so that you can’t buy a new aftermarket key fob anywhere. This enhances the security, sure, but it is more expensive, inconvenient and limiting when it comes to options. Many European cars don’t have aftermarket fobs available.

6. Ask for an Auto Locksmith’s Opinion

Not sure whether your key fob can be replaced or repaired? Have questions about the best route to take? An auto locksmith can often guide you toward the correct decision. If you have limited car or security knowledge, this is extremely helpful.

7. Consider Other Security Upgrades

While you’re replacing your key fob, you might as well consider other security upgrades for your car. Need a spare key or fob? Want more security with a laser-cut key? Want a different type of lock? An auto locksmith can help with any of these requests.
If you’re in need of a key fob replacement (or any other automotive locksmith service), contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today.