How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
The possession of a spare car key is essential for peace of mind in the event you lose or break your primary key. However it can be costly.
The cost will vary depending on whether you get the spare key from a retailer or a locksmith. The cost varies also depending on the type of key you need.
Dealerships
The dealership is one of the most common ways to obtain a replacement for a key. Typically, dealers request details such as the car's make and model, year, and VIN when they request a new key. The dealer may also ask for evidence of ownership or identification to ensure the key is issued to the rightful owner. Based on the type of key, this process can be relatively efficient and cost-effective, however it is also important to remember that dealership services are typically more expensive than other alternatives.
You can purchase a generic spare key from a hardware store, locksmith or online and program it yourself. This is something that a lot of automakers allow drivers to do, and the instructions are usually found in the owner's guide or on the website of the manufacturer. However, this process is usually slower and may be more expensive than calling an locksmith.
If you have a traditional metal key, you are able to have it replaced by an area locksmith for few dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, however the price will be significantly more expensive. You can expect to pay between $50 and $200.
It is generally recommended to make a duplicate car key before you lose the original. This way you won't end up in a bind and you'll have a backup in case in an emergency. It's a small cost to pay to have peace of mind and the freedom to drive the car whenever you'd like.
It may be difficult to get an additional key for your car however it's worth it in the event that you lose or have the original key stolen. Consult with your local locksmith or automaker before deciding on a solution. You can also look up reputable key replacement providers and contact them with information about your vehicle to determine whether they can provide you with an estimate for the service. This can help you avoid unexpected costs and keep your budget in the right place.
Locksmiths
If you've ever had to get locked out of your vehicle, a spare key may come in handy. Keep the spare key in a safe location as you don't want it to be lost or stolen. A spare key could cost between $50 and $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle. There are a variety of options to obtain an alternative car key, which includes the dealership, auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.
The best way to acquire an extra car key is to visit the dealership where you purchased your car. The dealer will have the right key blank and will be able to program it so that it works with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option however it is 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 a car key. A basic car key that does not contain a transponder may be made for under $10. However, a key fob and smart key are more expensive.
If you're having a spare car key, make sure you use a trustworthy locksmith. They should be DBS verified and vetted, and licensed to perform tasks of this kind. They should be covered in case anything goes wrong during the duplication process.
It's expensive to replace a lost key, but it's worth it to have one in case you lose it or lock it inside the car. It is always better to be prepared than risking damaging your vehicle by trying to pry the door open using a hanger. Take the time to make a spare key for your car and store it safely. You'll be glad that you did it if you ever need it!
Older vehicles
The loss of a car key could be a huge hassle. This can lead to costly repair bills and lost work time, especially if the vehicle is not accessible. If you have an extra car key however, you can prevent these issues completely. A spare key can save you money in the end. But how much will an extra car key cost? There are a few factors that can influence the price that can affect the price, such as the make and model of the car and the type of key.
There are get spare key made for car of keys for cars, some more intricate than others. The most popular is a traditional key that can be used to lock and unlock doors. These are simple to make and generally cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other options include switchblade keys key fobs, and remote keys. These can be more advanced and include features such as alarm activation via remote. However, they are more expensive than traditional keys.
If you have an older car, it's an ideal idea to make a spare key before you lose the original key. This will save you the high replacement costs of a newer vehicle. If you lose your keys it is best to replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that you are capable of accessing your car, and prevent theft or other problems.
A spare car key is a good investment for any driver. A spare key can be extremely useful in the event that you have to replace or damage your original. The cost of a replacement key varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle. It is essential to take these aspects into consideration when selecting the best service.
Most modern cars also have an electronic chip that is embedded in the head of the keys. This chip sends a signal to a car's security system that will verify the key and allow drivers to unlock or start their car. If these chips are damaged or destroyed they may be costly to replace and may require the assistance of an expert locksmith or a dealership.
Newer vehicles
For those of us old enough to remember, it was very easy to lose the car key and not have to pay many dollars. You could take the key code from the owner's manual to the hardware store or locksmith and get a replacement key cut at an affordable cost. Nowadays things are a bit more complicated. The latest cars have keys that have chips in them, which require dealer knowledge to duplicate. There are also key fobs and laser cuts, as well as switchblade keys, all of which cost more than mechanical keys.
Fortunately, you can still save up to 30% at Ace Hardware when you purchase your replacement keys online. You can also use their store locator tool to find the nearest location to service your vehicle.