How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare car key is important to ensure your safety in case you lose or break your primary key. However, it can be expensive.
The cost will vary based on whether you buy the spare key from a dealer or a locksmith. The cost is also contingent on the type you need.
Dealerships
The dealership is among the most common ways to obtain a replacement for a key. Typically, the dealer will request information like the vehicle's make and model year, as well as the VIN when requesting a new key. In addition, the dealer might ask for documents of ownership and identification to ensure that the replacement key is issued to the rightful owner. Depending on the kind of key, this procedure is usually affordable and quick, but it is crucial to remember that dealership services tend to be more expensive than other options.
Alternatively, you can buy a generic spare car key from a hardware store or locksmith and program it yourself. This is something that a lot of automakers allow drivers to do, and the steps are usually found in the owner's manual or on the website of the manufacturer. This procedure can be more time-consuming and costly than calling a locksmith.
It is common to get an old key replaced by a local locksmith at a cost of just a few dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, however, the cost will be substantially more expensive. You can expect to be charged between $50 and $200.
It is generally recommended to make a duplicate car key prior to losing the original. You won't be stuck and you'll have an additional key in the event of an accident. It's a small price to be paid to have peace of mind and the freedom to drive the car whenever you want.
While buying a new car key may be a pain but it's definitely worth the expense in case you lose your original key or get it stolen. Consult with your local automaker or locksmith before deciding on a service. You can also search for reliable key replacement companies and provide them with details regarding your vehicle to find out if they can give you a quote for the service. This can help you avoid unexpected costs and help keep your budget in control.
Locksmiths
If you've ever had to get locked out of your car, a spare key can help. It is important to keep the key in a safe place, but you don't want to lose it or lose it. A spare key will cost between $50 and $200, depending on the model and make of your car. There are a variety of options to obtain a replacement car key, including the dealership, an auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.
The dealership where you purchased your car is the best source of an extra key. The dealer will have the correct key blank and will be able to program it so that it works with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option, however, it's the only way to ensure that you have a functional replacement key in the event you lose the original.
The cost can vary, but most hardware stores and locksmiths can create car keys. A basic car key that does not have a transponder chip can usually be made for less than $10 however, a key fob or smart key could be more costly.
If you're looking to get a spare car key ensure that you choose a reliable locksmith. They must be DBS checked and vetted and accredited to carry out work of this type. They should be covered in case anything goes wrong during the process of duplication.
Replacing a lost car keys is costly however it is worth it to have a spare key in case you lose it or keep it locked in your car. It is always better to be prepared rather than risking damaging your car by trying to open the door open with a hanger. So, take the time to get a spare car key and keep it in a secure place. You'll be glad that you did it in the event that you ever need it!
Older vehicles
The loss of a car key could be a major inconvenience. It can result in expensive repair costs and wasted time, especially if cannot access your vehicle. You can avoid all of these problems by having an additional car key. The possession of a spare key could also save you a lot of money in the long run. How much does an extra key for an automobile cost? There are a few variables that can influence the price such as the make and model of the vehicle and the kind of key.
There are various kinds of keys for cars, some more complex than others. The most popular is a standard key that can be used to lock and unlock the doors. They are easy to make, and usually only cost $10 - $15 per copy. Other options include switchblade keys key fobs, and remote keys. These are more sophisticated and can have features like alarm activation and remote start. They are more expensive than traditional keys.
If you have an older car it is an ideal idea to have a spare key created before you lose the original key. It will save you the expensive cost of replacing a car that is more modern. However, if you do lose your key, it's best to replace it immediately. This will ensure you are in a position to gain access to your vehicle and avoid theft or other problems.
A spare car key is a wise investment for any driver. A spare key can be very useful should you have to replace or damage your original. The cost of a spare car key can differ depending on the brand and model of the vehicle. Hence, it is essential to consider these aspects when choosing a service provider.
Most modern cars also have an electronic chip in the head of the keys. This chip sends signals to a car's security system that can verify the key and allow drivers to open or start their car. If these chips become damaged or lost they could be costly to replace and could require the assistance of an expert locksmith or a dealership.
Newer Vehicles
For those of us who are old enough to remember the past, it was very easy to lose your car key without loosing a lot of money. You could take the code from the owner's manual to the hardware store or locksmith and have an alternative key cut at the most affordable cost. Nowadays things are more complicated. Modern cars have keys with chips built in, which require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. There are also key fobs and laser cuts, as well switchblade keys, all of which cost more than the mechanical key.
There's no reason not to save up to 30% at Ace Hardware when you purchase the replacement keys online and use their convenient store locator tool to locate the nearest location that can service your vehicle.