How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare key for your car is essential to ensure peace of mind if you lose or damage your primary key. However it can be costly.
The cost varies depending on the location you've had the spare key made, whether at the dealership or through the locksmith. The cost varies based on the kind of key you require.
Dealerships
The dealership is among the most popular ways to obtain a replacement key. When you request a replacement key, the dealer could ask for information such as vehicle model and make, as well as the VIN, as well as the year. The dealer might request documents of ownership or identification to make sure the key is issued to its rightful owner. Based on the type of key, this process can be fairly efficient and cost-effective, however it is crucial to keep in mind that dealer services are typically more expensive than other options.
Alternatively, you can purchase a standard spare car key at a hardware store or locksmith and program it yourself. This is a procedure that many automakers permit drivers to do, and the instructions are usually 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.
It is common to get a metal 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 will be significantly higher. You can expect to be charged between $50 and $200.
In the majority of situations, it's best to have an extra car key prior to losing your original. You won't get stuck and you'll have an additional key in the event of an accident. It's a small price to be paid for peace of mind and the freedom to drive your car whenever you'd like.
While purchasing a new key may be a pain but it's definitely worth the expense in case you ever lose your original key or have it stolen. Contact your local automaker or locksmith before deciding on a solution. You can also reach out to reliable 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 expenses and keep your budget in check.
Locksmiths
If you've ever been locked out of your car, a spare key can help. Keep the spare key in a secure location as you don't want it to get lost or stolen. Depending on the make and model of your car it can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 to have an extra key made. There are several ways to get a replacement car key, including the dealership, auto locksmith, or roadside assistance.
The dealership where you purchased your vehicle is the best place to get an extra key. The dealer will have a blank key, and can program it to work with your car. This is the most expensive, however, it's the only way to be sure that you have a working key replacement in the event that you lose the original.
Many locksmiths and hardware stores are able to create keys for your car, but the price may differ. A basic car key without transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10 while a key fob or smart key can be much more costly.
If you're looking to get a spare car key made be sure to use a reliable locksmith. They must pass an DBS check, be vetted, and be accredited to do this type of work. They should also carry insurance that covers them in case something goes wrong during the process of key duplication.
It's expensive to replace a lost key however it's worth it to have one in the event of losing it or lock it inside the car. It is always better to be prepared, rather than risking damaging your car by trying to pry the door open with hangers. So, make the effort to have a spare car key and keep it in a secure place. You'll be glad you did it if you ever need it!
Older vehicles
The loss of a car key could be a major inconvenience. This could result in costly repair bills and lost work time, particularly if your vehicle isn't able to be accessed. cheap spare car keys can avoid all these problems if you have an spare car key. A spare key will also save you money in the end. But what is the price a spare car key cost? There are a few factors that could affect the price that can affect the price, such as the make and model of the car and the type of key.
There are various kinds of car keys, some more complicated than others. The most common is a standard key that can be used to lock and unlock the doors. These are simple to make and typically cost $10 - $15 per copy. Other alternatives include switchblade keys, key fobs, and remote keys. These can be more advanced and come with features such as alarm activation and remote start. However, they are more expensive than traditional keys.
If you own an older vehicle, it's a good idea to make a spare key before losing the original one. This will allow you to avoid the cost of replacing it with a newer vehicle. If you lose your key, it's best to replace it as soon as possible. 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 wise investment for any driver. The benefit of having a spare key is very useful in the event you lose your keys, or if it gets damaged. The cost of a replacement car key is contingent on the model and make of the car. It is important to take these factors into consideration when selecting the right provider.
In addition to the key itself, the majority of modern vehicles come with an electronic chip inside the head of the key. This chip emits a signal to the security system of the car which confirms that the key is genuine and permits drivers to open the door or start the vehicle. These chips are expensive to replace if lost or damaged, and may require the help of locksmiths or dealers.
Newer Vehicles
For those old enough to remember, it was once very easy to lose keys to cars and not be out much money. You could take the key's code from the owner's manual to a locksmith or hardware store and get a new one cut at a reasonable cost. It's a bit more complicated today. Keys in the latest automobiles are infused with chips and require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. There are also keys fobs, laser cuts, and even switchblade keys - all of which cost a lot more than a traditional mechanical key.
Ace Hardware offers up to 30% off when you buy your replacement keys online. You can also use the store locator to locate the nearest location that can service your vehicle.