How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare car key is vital to have peace of mind in the event that you lose or damage your primary key. However, it can be expensive.
The cost varies depending on the location you've had the spare key made, whether at an auto dealer or through the locksmith. The cost is also contingent on the type you need.
Dealerships
One of the primary avenues for obtaining a replacement car key is through the dealership. Typically, the dealer will request information such as the vehicle's make and model, year, and VIN when requesting a new key. The dealer might request proof of ownership or identification to make sure the key is issued to the correct owner. This procedure can be swift and cost-effective, depending on the type of keys you require, however, dealer services are generally more expensive.
You can purchase a generic spare key at a hardware store locksmith, or even online and program it yourself. This is a procedure that many automakers permit drivers to do, and the steps are usually found in the owner's guide or on the official website of the manufacturer. This process can be more time-consuming and costly than calling a locksmith.
If you have a traditional metal key, you are able to have it replaced by the local locksmith for a couple of dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip,, the cost will be significantly higher. It could cost you between $50 and $200 or more.
In most situations, it's best to have an extra car key before you lose the original. You won't get stuck and you'll have an extra key in the event of an accident. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the freedom to drive whenever you want.
It may be difficult to get a new key for your car, but it's worth it if you lose or get your original key stolen. If you are worried about the expense of having a spare car key talk to your local locksmith or automaker before you decide on a particular service. You can also look up trustworthy key replacement services and provide them with details about your vehicle to determine if they can give you a quote for the service. This will help you avoid unexpected costs and keep your budget in the right place.
Locksmiths
A spare car key can be life-saving if you ever find yourself locked out of your vehicle. Keep the spare key in a safe location as you don't want it to be lost or stolen. A spare key can cost between $50 and $200 depending on the model and brand of your car. There are a few ways to obtain a replacement car key, such as the dealership, auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.
The best method to obtain a spare car key is to visit the dealership where you purchased your vehicle. The dealer will have the correct key blank and will be in a position to program it to work with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option, but it's the most reliable method of having a functioning key in case you lose your original one.
The price will differ, but a lot of locksmiths and hardware stores can make you a car key. A basic car key that does not have transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10 while a key fob or smart key can be much more expensive.
Whenever you are getting a spare car key ensure that you choose a trustworthy locksmith. They must be DBS checked and vetted and certified to perform the work. They should be insured in the event of anything going wrong during the process of duplication.
Replacing a lost car keys is costly however it's worth the cost to have a spare key in case you lose it or keep it locked in the car. It is always safer to be prepared rather than attempt to open your door open with an old coat hanger and risk damaging the car. So, make the effort to have an extra car key and keep it in a secure place. You'll be glad you did if you ever need it!
Older vehicles
It can be a major hassle to lose your car key. It can result in costly repair bills and lost time, especially if are unable to get into your vehicle. If you have a spare car key, however, you can prevent these issues completely. A spare key will also save you money in the end. How much does a spare key for a car cost? The cost will depend on several factors, including the model and make of the vehicle and the type of key.
There are many different types of car keys, some more complex than others. The most common kind of key is the traditional key, which can be used to lock and unlock doors. These are easy to create and cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other options include switchblade keys, remote keys and key fobs. These can be more advanced and include features such as alarm activation and remote start. They may cost more than conventional keys.
It's a good idea to make an extra car key if you have an older vehicle. This will save you the high replacement costs of newer vehicles. However, if you do lose your key, it's best to have it replaced immediately. This will ensure you are able to access your car, and prevent theft or other issues.
A spare car key is a great investment for any driver. Having a spare can be extremely useful in the event you lose your key or if it gets damaged. The cost of an extra car key could differ based on the make and model of the vehicle, so it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects when choosing the right service provider.
Most modern cars also have an electronic chip embedded inside the head of the keys. The chip sends an electronic signal to the car's security system that can confirm that the key is valid and permits drivers to unlock or start their vehicle. If the chips are damaged or destroyed, they can be expensive to replace and could require the assistance of a locksmith or dealership.
Newer Vehicles
For those who are old enough to remember it in the past, it was very easy to lose your car keys without losing a significant amount of cash. You could take the code from the owner’s manual to the local hardware store or locksmith, and get the replacement key cut for the most affordable cost. Today, things are a little more complicated. Modern cars have keys with chips that are built-in, and require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. There are also key fobs, laser cuts and even switchblade keys all of which cost more than the traditional mechanical key.
Ace Hardware offers up to 30% off when you buy your replacement keys on the internet. You can also use the convenient store locator to locate an Ace Hardware store near you that services your vehicle.