How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
Having a spare car key is important to ensure your safety in the event that you lose or break your primary key. However it can be costly.
The cost will vary based on the location you've had the spare key made, whether it is at a dealership or through the locksmith. The cost is also contingent on the type of key you require.
Dealerships
The dealership is one of the most commonly used methods to obtain a replacement for a key. Typically, the dealer will require information like the vehicle's make and model year, VIN, and year when they request a new key. The dealer might also ask for documents of ownership or proof of identity to ensure the key is issued to the correct owner. Depending on the kind of key, this procedure can be fairly efficient and cost-effective, however it is crucial to keep in mind that dealer services tend to be more expensive than other alternatives.
You can also purchase a generic spare key at a hardware store locksmith, or even online and program it yourself. This is something that many automakers allow drivers to do, and the directions are usually found in the owner's guide or on the official website of the manufacturer. This process may be slower and more expensive than calling a locksmith.
It is possible to have an old key replaced by a locksmith local to you at a cost of only a few dollars. The price will be more expensive if your key is a transponder or electronic fob. It could cost you about $50 to $200 or more.
It is usually best to make a duplicate car key prior to losing the original. So, you won't be left in a bind and you'll have a backup in the event in an emergency. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the freedom to drive whenever you like.
While purchasing a new key may be a pain but it's definitely worth the cost in case you ever lose your original key or get it stolen. Contact your local automaker or locksmith before deciding on a solution. You can also research trustworthy key replacement services and send them a list of details about your vehicle to see if they can give you a quote for the service. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs and keep your budget under control.
Locksmiths
A spare car key can be a lifesaver in the event that you ever get locked out of your vehicle. Keep the spare key in a safe place as you do not want it to be lost or stolen. Depending on the make and model of your car it can cost anywhere from between $50 and $200 to get an extra key made. You can get a new car key from a variety of sources, such as a dealership or auto-locksmith, as well as roadside assistance.
The best way to acquire a spare car key is to go to the dealership that you bought your vehicle. The dealer will have the appropriate key blank and will be capable of programming 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 price will vary, but many hardware stores and locksmiths can make an auto key. A basic car key that doesn't contain a transponder may be made for less than $10. However, a key fob and smart keys are more expensive.
If you're looking to get a spare car key be sure to use a reliable locksmith. They should be DBS checked and vetted and certified to perform tasks of this kind. They should be insured in case anything goes wrong during the duplication process.
It's costly to replace keys that are lost, but it's worth it to have one in the event that you lose it, or lock it inside the car. It is always safer to be prepared than to attempt to open your door open using an old coat hanger and risk damaging the car. Make a spare key for your car and store it safely. You'll be happy that you did it in the event that you require it in the future!
Older vehicles
Losing a car key can be a major inconvenience. It can lead to expensive repair bills and a loss of time, especially if cannot access your vehicle. If you have a spare car key, you can avoid these problems altogether. Having a spare key can also save you a lot of money in the long run. What does an extra key for the car cost? The price is influenced by many aspects, including the model and make of the car and the type key.
There are many different types of keys for cars, with some more complicated than others. The most commonly used type of key is the traditional key, which is used both to lock and unlock doors. These keys are simple to create and cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other options include key fobs remote keys, and switchblade keys. These are more sophisticated and include features such as alarm activation and remote start. However, they are more expensive than traditional keys.
It is a good thing to make an extra car key if you own an older vehicle. It will save you the expensive costs of replacing a vehicle that is more modern. If you do lose your key, it is recommended to replace it immediately. This will allow you access to your vehicle and prevent theft.
A spare key for your car is a wise investment for any driver. spare car key maker can be extremely beneficial in the event you lose your key, or if it gets damaged. The cost of the spare car key may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Hence, it is important to consider these aspects when choosing a service provider.
In addition to the key itself the majority of modern cars come with an electronic chip inside the head of the key. The chip transmits a signal to a car's security system which can verify the keys and permit drivers to unlock or start their vehicle. These chips are costly to replace if damaged or lost and could require the assistance of locksmiths or dealers.
Newer Vehicles
For those of us old enough to recall, it was once very easy to lose keys to cars and not be out many dollars. You could take the code from the owner’s manual to the local hardware store or locksmith and get an alternative key cut at the most affordable cost. Nowadays things are more complicated. Newer cars have keys with chips that are built-in, and require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. Then there are keys fobs, laser cuts, and even switchblade keys - all of which cost more than the traditional mechanical key.
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 pinpoint the nearest location to service your vehicle.