How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
The possession of a spare car key is essential to ensure your safety in case you lose or break your primary key. It can be costly.
The cost will vary based on where you have the spare key made, whether at an auto dealer or through an locksmith. The cost also differs based on the type of key you need.
Dealerships
The dealership is one of the most common ways to get a replacement key. Typically, dealers request information like the vehicle's model and make, year, and VIN when requesting a replacement key. Additionally, the dealer may require proof of ownership and identification to ensure that the replacement key is issued to the owner who is legally entitled to it. This process can be quick and cost-effective, depending on the type of keys, however, dealership services are typically more expensive.
You can also purchase a generic spare key from a hardware store, locksmith, or online and program it yourself. This is something that a lot of automakers permit drivers to do, and the steps are usually included 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.
It is common to get a metal key replaced by a locksmith local to you at a cost of only a few dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, the price will be substantially more expensive. You can expect to spend between $50 and $200.
In the majority of cases, it is best to have a spare car key made prior to losing your original. You won't be stuck and you'll have an additional key in the event of an accident. It's a small cost to be paid for peace of mind, and the freedom to drive the car whenever you'd like.
It may be difficult to find a new key for your vehicle however it's worth it in the event that you lose or get your original stolen. If you're worried about the cost of an extra car key, talk to your local locksmith or automaker prior to deciding on a particular option. You can also reach out to reputable key replacement companies and provide them with the details about your vehicle to get a quote. This will allow you to avoid any unexpected expenses and keep your budget in check.
Locksmiths
A spare car key could be life-saving if you ever get locked out of your vehicle. Keep the spare key in a safe location as you don't want it to get lost or stolen. A spare key can cost between $50 and $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle. There are a few options to obtain an alternative car key, such as the dealership, auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.
The dealership you bought your vehicle is the ideal place to get a spare key. The dealer will have a blank key, and can program it to work with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option but it is the most surefire way to have a working key in the event that you lose the original key.
The cost will differ, but a lot of locksmiths and hardware stores will make you a car key. A basic car key without transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10 while a key fob, or smart key can be much more expensive.
If you require a spare key for your car, only use an auto locksmith that is reputable. They must be DBS verified and checked, and certified to perform tasks of this kind. They should also be insured that covers them in the event something goes wrong during the key duplication process.
It's expensive to replace keys that are lost however it's worth it to have a spare in the event that you lose it, or lock it inside the car. It is always better to be prepared than to attempt to open your door open with an old coat hanger and risk damaging the car. Take the time to make an extra key for your car and keep it safely. You'll be grateful you did if you ever require it!
Older vehicles
Losing your car keys can be a major inconvenience. This can lead to costly repair costs and a loss of time, especially if your vehicle isn't accessible. You can avoid all of these issues if you own an additional car key. Having a spare key can also save you a significant amount of money in the long term. But how much does an extra car key cost? There are several factors that can influence the price such as the make and model of the vehicle and the kind of key.
There are several types of keys for cars, and some are more intricate than others. The most common kind of key is the traditional key, which is used both to lock and unlock doors. These are simple to make and generally cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other options include key fobs, remote keys, and switchblade keys. These keys can be more advanced and include features like alarm activation via remote. However, they can be more expensive than traditional keys.
If you own an older car it's a good idea to have a spare key created before losing the original one. This will save you the cost of replacing it with the latest model. If you do lose your key, it is best to replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that you're in a position to gain access to your vehicle and also prevent theft or other problems.
A spare car key is a great investment for any driver. A spare key can be very useful in the event that you have to replace or damage your original. The cost of the spare car key may differ depending on the brand and model of the vehicle, and it is essential to consider these aspects when choosing the right service provider.
Most modern cars also have an electronic chip embedded in the head of keys. This chip transmits an electronic signal to the car's security system, which can verify that the key is genuine and allows drivers to unlock or start the vehicle. These chips can be very expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost and could require the help of locksmiths or dealers.
Newer Vehicles
For those old enough to remember, it was extremely easy to lose the car key and not have to pay a lot of money. You could simply take the key code from the owner's manual to a locksmith or hardware store and have a new one cut at a reasonable cost. Nowadays things are a bit more complicated. The latest cars have keys that have chips built in, which require the knowledge of a dealer to duplicate. Key fobs and laser cuts, as well as switchblade keys, all of which cost more than a mechanical key.
Ace Hardware offers up to 30 percent off when you purchase your replacement keys on the internet. You can also use the convenient store locator to locate the nearest location that services your vehicle.