How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare key for your car is vital to have peace of mind should you lose or damage your primary key. However it can be costly.
The cost varies depending on where you've got the spare key made, whether it is at a dealership or through an locksmith. The cost is also contingent on the type of key you require.
Dealerships
The dealership is one of the most common ways to get a replacement key. Typically, dealers ask for information such as the vehicle's make and model year, VIN, and year when requesting a replacement key. The dealer may also ask for proof of ownership or identification to make sure that the key is issued to its rightful owner. Based on the type of key, this process can be fairly affordable and quick, but it is also important to keep in mind that dealer services tend to be more expensive than other options.
You can also purchase a generic spare key at a hardware shop, locksmith, or even online and program it yourself. This is something that a lot of automakers allow drivers to do, and the steps are usually found in the owner's guide or on the website of the manufacturer. This process may be more time-consuming and costly than calling a locksmith.
You can usually get an old key replaced by a local locksmith for only a few dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, the price is significantly more expensive. Expect to spend between $50 and $200.
It is generally recommended to make a duplicate car key before losing the original. That way, you won't be left in a bind and you'll have a backup in case in the event of an emergency. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and the ability to drive your car at any time you'd like.
It may be difficult to obtain an additional key for your vehicle but it's worth it in the event you lose your original stolen. If you're worried about the expense of having a spare car key consult your local locksmith or automaker before you decide on a particular option. You can also contact reputable key replacement companies and provide them with the details about your vehicle in order to get a quote. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs and help keep your budget in the right place.
Locksmiths
If you've ever been locked out of your car, a spare key can help. It is essential to keep the key in a secure place, however, as you don't want to lose it or have it stolen. spare keys could cost between $50 and $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle. You can get a new car key from a variety of sources, including a dealership, an auto-locksmith, or roadside assistance.
The dealer where you bought your car is the best place to get a spare key. The dealer will have the right key blank and will be capable of programming it so that it works with your vehicle. This is the most expensive, but the only way to be sure that you have a functional replacement key in the event that you lose your original.
The price will vary, but most locksmiths and hardware stores can create a car key. A basic car key that does not contain a transponder may be made for under $10. However keys with fobs and smart keys are more expensive.
Whenever you are getting a spare car key made, make sure you use a trustworthy locksmith. They must pass completed a DBS check and be vetted. They must also be accredited to do this type of work. They should also be insured that covers them in case something goes wrong during the process of key duplication.
It's expensive to replace the key that was lost, but it's worth it to have one in the event that you lose it, or put it in the car. It is always better to be prepared rather than attempt to open your door open with a coat hanger and risk damaging the car. Therefore, make sure to have a spare car key made and keep it in a secure place. You'll be grateful you did it if you require it in the future!
Older vehicles
It can be a major inconvenience to lose a car key. It can lead to expensive repair bills and lost time, especially if are unable to get into your vehicle. You can avoid all these problems if you have an spare car key. A spare key will save you money in the end. But how much will an extra car key cost? The price can be affected by a number of aspects, including the model and make of the vehicle and the type key.
There are a variety of keys for cars and some are more intricate than others. The most common kind of key is the standard 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. They are more sophisticated, and include features such as alarm activation and remote start. However, they can be more expensive than traditional keys.
If you own an older vehicle it's recommended to have a spare key made prior to losing the original. You will avoid the costly cost of replacing a car that is newer. However, if you do lose your key, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible. This will allow you to access your vehicle and prevent theft.
A spare key for your car is a smart investment for any driver. Having a spare can be very useful in the event that you lose your keys, or it is damaged. The cost of a replacement car key varies based on the make and model of the vehicle. It is crucial to take these aspects into consideration when choosing the right service.
The majority of modern cars also have an electronic chip embedded in the head of the keys. This chip sends a signal to a security system in the car that can verify the key and allow the driver to unlock or start their vehicle. If these chips are damaged or lost they may be costly to replace and may require the assistance of an auto locksmith or dealer.
Newer Vehicles
For those who are old enough to remember it in the past, it was extremely easy to lose your car key without losing a lot of money. You could take the code for your key from the owner's manual to a locksmith or hardware store to have a new one cut for a reasonable cost. Today things are more complicated. Newer cars have keys with chips that are built-in, and require dealer knowledge to duplicate. And then there are key fobs, laser cut and even switchblade keys - all of which cost a lot more than the traditional mechanical key.
Fortunately, you can still save up to 30 percent at Ace Hardware when you purchase the replacement keys online and use their store locator tool to locate the closest location that services your vehicle.