How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
Having a spare car key is important to ensure your safety in the event you lose or break your primary key. However it can be costly.
The cost is contingent on the location you've had the spare key made, whether it is at the dealership or through a locksmith. The cost also varies depending on the type of key you need.
Dealerships
One of the primary avenues to obtain a replacement car key is through the dealer. Typically, the dealer will ask for details such as the car's model and make year, VIN, and year when requesting a replacement key. In addition, the dealer might ask for proof of ownership and identification to ensure that the new key is given to the owner who is legally entitled to it. Depending on the type of key, this procedure can be fairly quick and cost-effective, but it is crucial to keep in mind that dealer services are generally more expensive than other alternatives.
You can also purchase a generic spare key from a hardware store, locksmith, or even online and program it yourself. This is something that a lot of automakers allow drivers to do, and the instructions are usually included in the owner's guide or on the manufacturer website. However, this method is generally slower and can be more costly than contacting the locksmith.
It is common to get an old key replaced by a locksmith local to you at a cost of a few dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, however, the cost will be significantly higher. You can expect to spend between $50 and $200.
It is recommended to create a duplicate car key before you lose the original. This way you won't end up without a car and will have a backup plan in the event in the event of an emergency. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and the freedom to drive your car whenever you like.
It might be difficult to get an additional key for your vehicle however it's worth it if you lose or have your original stolen. Contact your local automaker or locksmith before deciding on a service. You can also contact reliable key replacement companies and provide them with details regarding your vehicle to receive a price. This will help you avoid any unexpected expenses and keep your budget in check.
Locksmiths
If you've ever had to get locked out of your vehicle A spare key could be useful. Keep the spare key in a secure place as you do not want it to be lost or stolen. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost you anywhere from $50-$200 to have a spare key created. There are a few ways to obtain a replacement car key, which includes the dealership, an auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.
The best way to acquire an extra car key is to go to the dealership that you bought your vehicle. The dealer will have the correct key blank and will be able to program it to work with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option but it's the most surefire method of having a functioning key in the event that you lose the original key.
Many locksmiths and hardware stores are able to create a car key for you, but the price may differ. A basic car key with transponder chips can typically be made for less than $10, while a key fob or smart key can be much more costly.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made be sure to use a reliable locksmith. They should be DBS verified and vetted, and certified to perform tasks of this kind. They should also be insured that covers them in case something goes wrong during the process of key duplication.
It can be expensive to replace the key that was lost, but it's worth it to have a spare in the event of losing it or lock it inside the car. It is always better to be prepared, rather than risk damaging your car by trying to pry the door open with hangers. Therefore, make sure to have 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
It can be a major hassle to lose your car key. auto key spares can result in expensive repair bills and lost work time, particularly if your vehicle isn't able to be accessed. If you have a spare car key however, you can avoid these problems altogether. A spare key can save you money in the end. But how much will a spare car key cost? There are a few variables that can influence the price such as the model and make of the vehicle as well as the type of key.
There are many kinds of keys for cars and some are more intricate than others. The most commonly used is a traditional key that is used to lock and unlock the doors. These are easy to make and cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other options include switchblade keys, remote keys and key fobs. They are more sophisticated, and may include features like alarm activation and remote start. They may cost more than traditional keys.
If you own an older car, it's recommended to have a spare key made before you lose the original key. This will save you the cost of replacing it with the latest model. If you lose your keys you should replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that you are in a position to gain access to your vehicle and avoid theft or other issues.
A spare key for your car is a smart investment for any driver. The benefit of having a spare key is extremely useful in the event that you lose your key or if it gets damaged. The cost of a spare car key can differ depending on the brand and model of the vehicle, and it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects when choosing a service provider.
Most modern cars also have an electronic chip embedded in the head of the keys. This chip sends a signal to a security system in the car that can verify the key and allow drivers to unlock or start their car. If these chips become damaged or lost, they can be expensive to replace and may require the assistance of an expert locksmith or a dealership.
Newer Vehicles
For those who are old enough to remember, it used to be very easy to lose your car key without losing a lot of cash. You could take the code for your key from the owner's manual to a locksmith or hardware store and get a new one cut at a reasonable cost. Today, things are a little more complicated. The latest cars have keys that have chips built in, which require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. Then there are key fobs, laser cut, and even switchblade keys - all of which cost a lot more than the traditional mechanical key.
Fortunately, you can still save up to 30% at Ace Hardware when you purchase the replacement keys online and use their convenient store locator tool to pinpoint the nearest location to service your vehicle.