How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare car key is crucial to ensure peace of mind should you lose or damage your primary key. It can be costly.
The cost will vary depending on whether you purchase the spare key from a retailer or a locksmith. The cost varies also depending on the type you need.
Dealerships
The dealership is among the most common ways to obtain a replacement key. Typically, dealers request information like the vehicle's make and model year, VIN, and year when requesting a new key. Additionally, the dealer could require documents of ownership and identification to ensure that the replacement key is given to the correct owner. Depending on the type of key, this procedure can be relatively quick and cost-effective, but it is important to keep in mind that dealership services tend to be more expensive than other alternatives.
Alternately, you can purchase a standard spare car key from an auto repair shop or locksmith and program it yourself. A lot of automakers allow drivers to do this, and it is typically explained in the owner's manual or on the website of the manufacturer. This process can be more time-consuming and costly than calling a locksmith.
You can usually get a metal key replaced by a local locksmith for a couple of dollars. If your key is an electronic fob or transponder chip, the price will be substantially higher. It will likely run you about $50 to $200 or more.
It is usually best to create a duplicate car key before you lose 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 pay to have peace of mind and the freedom to drive your vehicle whenever you want.
While buying a new car key isn't easy but it's definitely worth the expense in case you lose your original or have it stolen. If you're worried about the costs of an extra car key, talk to your local locksmith or automaker before deciding on a particular service. You can also search for trustworthy key replacement services and send them a list of details about your vehicle to see if they can give you an estimate for the service. This will help you avoid unexpected costs and keep your budget in control.
Locksmiths
A spare car key can be life-saving if you ever get locked out of your vehicle. It is essential to keep the key in a secure location, however, since you don't want to lose it or have it stolen. Depending on the model and make of your car it can cost anywhere from between $50 and $200 to get a spare key made. You can get a new car key from a variety of sources, including a dealership or auto-locksmith, as well as roadside assistance.
The dealership where you purchased your car is the best source of an extra key. 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 but it's the most secure method to ensure you have a functioning key in the event that you lose your original key.
The cost will vary, but most hardware stores and locksmiths can make you car keys. A basic car key that doesn't contain a transponder may be made for less than $10. However, a key fob and smart key are more expensive.
Whenever you are getting a spare car key ensure that you choose a reputable locksmith. They should pass an DBS check and be vetted. They must also be accredited to do this kind of work. They should be insured in case anything goes wrong during the duplication process.
Replacing a lost car key can be costly however it's worth the investment to have a spare key in the event that you lose yours, or keep it locked in your car. It is always better to be prepared, rather than try to pry your door open using an old coat hanger and risk damaging the car. Make an extra key for your vehicle and store it in a secure location. You'll be happy you did it if you ever need it!
Older vehicles
It's a major inconvenience to lose a vehicle key. It can result in expensive repair costs and a loss of time, especially if your vehicle is not accessible. If you have an extra car key however, you can avoid these issues altogether. A spare key can save you money in the end. But what is the price an extra car key cost? The cost is influenced by many aspects, including the model and make of the car and the type of key.
There are a variety of keys for cars and some are more complex than others. The most popular type of key is the standard key, which can be used both to lock and unlock doors. These keys are simple to make and cost between $10 and $15 per copy. Other options include switchblade keys remote keys and key fobs. They are more sophisticated, and may include features such as alarm activation and remote start. However, get a spare car key can be more expensive than traditional keys.
It's a good idea to make a spare car key if you own an older vehicle. This will save you the cost of replacing it with newer vehicles. If you lose your key, it's best to replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that you're in a position to gain access to your vehicle, and prevent theft or other problems.
A spare car key is a good investment for any driver. A spare key can be very useful in the event that you lose or damage your original. The cost of an extra car key could differ based on the make and model of the vehicle. Hence, it is crucial to take into consideration these factors when choosing a service provider.
The majority of modern cars also have an electronic chip that is embedded inside the head of the keys. The chip transmits a signal to a security system in the car which can verify the keys and allow drivers to unlock or start their vehicle. The chips can be extremely expensive to replace if they are damaged or lost, and may require assistance from locksmiths or dealers.
Newer Vehicles
For those who are old enough to remember it, it used to be extremely easy to lose your car keys without losing a lot of money. You could take the code from the owner's manual to a hardware store or locksmith and have the replacement key cut for an affordable cost. Today things are a bit more complicated. Keys in modern cars are embedded with chips and require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. There are also key fobs and laser cuts, as well as switchblade keys that all cost more than the mechanical key.
Fortunately, you can still save up to 30% at Ace Hardware when you purchase your key replacements online and use their store locator tool to pinpoint the nearest location to service your vehicle.