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 could be costly.
The cost will vary depending on whether you purchase the spare key from a dealer or locksmith. The cost is also contingent on the type you need.
Dealerships
One of the most common methods to obtain a replacement car key is through a dealer. When requesting a replacement key, the dealer might require details such as the vehicle's make and model, VIN, and year. Additionally, the dealer could request documents of ownership and identification to ensure that the replacement key is issued to the correct owner. This process can be quick and cost-effective based on the type of keys you require, however, dealership services are typically more expensive.
Alternately, you can buy a generic spare car key at a hardware store or locksmith and program it yourself. This is something that many automakers allow drivers to do, and the directions are usually included in the owner's guide or on the website of the manufacturer. However, spare key fob is usually slower and may be more expensive than calling a locksmith.
If you have a conventional metal key, you are able to have it replaced by a local locksmith for a few dollars. If your key is an electronic fob or transponder chip, the price will be significantly higher. You can expect to spend between $50 and $200.
It is usually best to make a duplicate car key prior to losing the 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 ability to drive your car whenever you want.
While buying a new car key can be a hassle, it is definitely worth the expense in case you ever lose your original key or have it stolen. Consult with your local automaker or locksmith before deciding on a solution. You can also contact reliable key replacement companies and provide them with information regarding your vehicle to receive a price. This will help you avoid unexpected expenses and keep your budget in control.
Locksmiths
A spare car key can be a lifesaver in the event that you ever have to be locked out of your car. It is essential to keep the key in a safe place, but you do not want to lose the key or have it stolen. A spare key can cost between $50 and $200, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. There are several ways to obtain a replacement car key, which includes the dealership, an auto locksmith, or roadside assistance.
The best method to obtain an extra car key is to go to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle. 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 reliable way to have a working key in case you lose your original key.
Many locksmiths and hardware stores can make a car key for you however, the cost may vary. A basic car key that does not have transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10 while a key fob or smart key may be more expensive.
If you're having a spare car key, make sure you use a reputable locksmith. They should be DBS verified and checked, and certified to perform tasks of this kind. They should be covered in the event of anything going wrong during the process of duplication.
Replacing a lost car keys could be expensive, but it is worth it to have a spare in case you lose it or keep it locked in your car. It is better to be prepared than risking damaging your vehicle by trying to open the door off with a hanger. So, take the time to get an extra car key and store it in a secure place. You'll be glad that you did it if you require it in the future!
Older cars
It can be a huge hassle to lose your car key. It can result in costly repair bills and lost time, especially if you cannot access your vehicle. spare car key price can avoid all of these problems if you have an spare car key. The possession of a spare key could also save you lots of dollars in the end. But how much does an extra car key cost? The price can be affected by many aspects, including the model and make of the vehicle and the type of key.
There are many kinds of keys for cars and some are more complicated than others. The most common type of key is the standard key, which is used both to lock and unlock doors. These are simple to make and generally cost $10 - $15 per 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. They may cost more than traditional keys.
If you have an older car it's an ideal idea to make a spare key before losing the original one. This will help you avoid the cost of replacing it with newer vehicles. However, if you do lose the key, it's best to replace it as soon as possible. This will allow you access to your vehicle and prevent theft.
A spare car key is a good 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 vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, so it is essential to consider these factors when choosing a service provider.
The majority of modern cars also have an electronic chip embedded inside the head of the keys. This chip sends signals to a security system in the car that will verify the key and allow drivers to open or start their vehicle. These chips can be very expensive to replace if they are lost or damaged and could require the assistance of a dealership or locksmith.
Newer Vehicles
For those of us old enough to remember, it was once extremely easy to lose keys to cars and not lose a lot of money. You could take the code from the owner’s manual to a hardware store or locksmith, and get a replacement key cut at an affordable cost. Today things are more complicated. Modern cars have keys with chips built in, which require the knowledge of 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.
However, you can save up to 30% at Ace Hardware when you purchase your replacement keys online. You can also utilize their store locator tool to locate the nearest location that can service your vehicle.