How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare car key is important to have peace of mind in the event that you lose or break your primary key. However, it can be expensive.
The cost will vary depending on whether you get the spare key from a dealer or a locksmith. The cost varies also depending on the type of key you need.
Dealerships
The dealership is one of the most popular ways to obtain a replacement for a key. Typically, make a spare key near me as the car's model and make, year, and VIN when requesting a replacement key. The dealer may also require evidence of ownership or identification to make sure that the key is issued to its rightful owner. Depending on the type of key, this process can be fairly quick and cost-effective, but it is crucial to keep in mind that dealer services are typically more expensive than other options.
Alternately, you can purchase a generic spare car key from the hardware store or locksmith and program it yourself. Most automakers permit drivers to do this, and it's usually described in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. However, this procedure is usually slower and may be more expensive than contacting a locksmith.
If you own a traditional metal key, you can usually replace it at a local locksmith for a few dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, the price is substantially more expensive. It is likely to cost about $50 to $200 or more.
In the majority of cases, it is best to have a spare car key before you lose your original. You won't be stuck and you'll have an extra key in the event of an accident. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the freedom to drive your car at any time you like.
It might be difficult to get an additional key for your car but it's worth it in the event you lose or have the original key stolen. Consult with your local automaker or locksmith before deciding on a service. You can also contact 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 can be life-saving if you ever get locked out of your car. Keep the spare key in a safe location as you don't want it to be lost or stolen. A spare key will cost between $50 and $200 based on the model and brand of your vehicle. There are a few ways to get an alternative car key, which includes the dealership, auto locksmith, or 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 right key blank and will be in a position to program it so that it works with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option, however, it's the only way to be sure that you have a working key replacement in the event you lose your original.
The cost can vary, but most hardware stores and locksmiths can create car keys. A basic car key with transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10 however, a key fob or smart key may be more costly.
If you require an extra key for your car, you should select an auto locksmith that is reputable. They must be DBS checked and vetted and certified to perform the work. They should also be insured which covers them in the event that something goes wrong during the key duplication process.
Replacing a lost car key could be expensive however it is worth the cost to have a spare in case you lose yours or lock it in your car. It is always better to be prepared than to attempt to pry your door open using a coat hanger and risk damaging the car. So, take the time to get a spare car key and store it in a safe location. You'll be thankful you did it if you ever require it!
Older vehicles
It can be a major hassle to lose your car key. It can lead to expensive repair bills and lost time, especially if cannot access your vehicle. You can avoid all these problems by having an additional car key. Having a spare key can also save you a significant amount of money in the long term. How much does a spare key for the car cost? The cost can be affected by several aspects, including the model and make of the car and the type of key.
There are many different types of keys for cars, with some more complicated than others. The most popular is a traditional key that is used to lock and unlock doors. These are simple to make and typically cost $10 - $15 per copy. Other alternatives include switchblade keys, key fobs and remote keys. These keys can be more advanced and include features like alarm activation and remote start. However, they can be more expensive than conventional keys.
If you own an older car it is a good idea to have a spare key made before losing the original one. You will avoid the costly costs of replacing a vehicle that is newer. However, if you do lose the 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 avoid theft or other problems.
A spare car key is a good investment for any driver. A spare key can be extremely useful should you have to replace or damage your original. The cost of a spare car key can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, so it is important to consider these aspects when selecting a service provider.
The majority of modern cars also have an electronic chip embedded in the head of the keys. This chip transmits signals to the car's security system which confirms that the key is legitimate and allows drivers to unlock or start the vehicle. If these chips are damaged or destroyed they may be costly to replace and could require the assistance of a locksmith or dealership.
Newer Vehicles
For those of us old enough to remember, it was once quite easy to lose the car key and not be out many dollars. You could simply take the key's code from the owner's manual to a hardware or locksmith store and get an alternative cut at a very reasonable price. Today, things are a little more complicated. Keys in the latest automobiles are infused with chips, and require dealer knowledge to duplicate. And then there are keys fobs, laser cuts, and even switchblade keys all of which cost a lot more than a traditional mechanical key.
There's no reason not to 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 that can service your vehicle.