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 will vary based on the location you've had the spare key made, whether at an auto dealer or through a locksmith. The cost also differs based on the kind of key you require.
Dealerships
The dealership is among the most commonly used methods to obtain a replacement for a key. Typically, dealers ask for information like the vehicle's model and make, year, and VIN when requesting a replacement key. Additionally, the dealer could require proof of ownership and identification to ensure that the replacement key is given to the owner who is legally entitled to it. Depending on the kind of key, this procedure can be fairly quick and cost-effective, but it is crucial to keep in mind that dealership services tend to be more expensive than other alternatives.
Alternately, you can buy a generic spare car key from a hardware store or locksmith and program it yourself. A lot of automakers allow drivers to do this, and it's typically described in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. However, locked key in car no spare is usually slower and may be more expensive than calling a locksmith.
It is common to get an old key replaced by a locksmith local to you for a few dollars. The cost is higher if the key is a transponder or an electronic fob. You can expect to be charged between $50 and $200.
In most cases, it is best to have a spare 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 cost to pay for peace of mind and the freedom to drive the car whenever you'd like.
While purchasing a new key can be a hassle, it is definitely worth the expense in case you ever lose your original one or get it stolen. If you are concerned about the cost of having a spare car key talk to your local locksmith or automaker before deciding on a particular option. You can also look up reputable key replacement providers and send them a list of details about your vehicle to see whether they can provide you with a quote for the service. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs and keep your budget in check.
Locksmiths
A spare car key can be a lifesaver if you ever get locked out of your car. It is important to keep the key in a secure location, however, since you do not want to lose it or have it stolen. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, it can cost $50-$200 to have a spare key created. There are a few ways to obtain an extra car key, such as the dealership, an auto locksmith, or roadside assistance.
The dealership you bought your car is the best location to purchase 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 is the most surefire way to have a working key in case you lose your original one.
The price will vary, but many locksmiths and hardware stores will make an auto key. A basic car key with a transponder chip can usually be made for less than $10 while a key fob, or smart key could be more expensive.
If you're having a spare car key be sure to use a reputable locksmith. They must be DBS verified and vetted, and certified to perform work of this type. They should also be insured that covers them in the event something goes wrong during the key duplication process.
Replacing a lost key for your car could be expensive however it is worth the cost to have a spare key in the event that you lose yours, or keep it locked in your car. It is always safer to be prepared than to attempt to open your door open using a coat hanger, and risk damaging the car. So, make the effort to get an extra car key and store it in a secure place. You'll be thankful that you did should you require it!
Older vehicles
It can be a major hassle to lose your car key. This can lead to costly repair bills and lost work time, particularly if your vehicle is not accessible. If you have a spare car key, however, you can avoid these issues altogether. The possession of a spare key could also save you a significant amount of money in the long term. What does an extra key for a car cost? The cost can be affected by many factors, including the model and make of the car and the type of key.
There are many different types of keys for cars, some more complicated than others. The most popular kind of key is the standard key, which is used to lock and unlock doors. They are easy to make, and usually only cost between $10 and $15 per copy. Other options include key fobs, remote keys, and switchblade keys. These are more sophisticated and may include features like alarm activation and remote start. However, they are more expensive than traditional keys.
It's a good idea to create a spare car key if you own an older car. This will allow you to avoid the cost of replacing it with the latest model. If you lose your key it is best to replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that you are able to access your car and avoid theft or other issues.
A spare car key is a great investment for any driver. A spare key can be extremely useful in the event that you lose or damage the original. The cost of a replacement car key is contingent on the make and model of the vehicle. It is important to take these aspects into consideration when selecting the best provider.
Most modern cars also have an electronic chip that is embedded inside the head of the keys. The chip sends signals to the security system of the car, which can verify that the key is genuine and allows drivers to open the door or start the vehicle. These chips can be very costly to replace if they are lost or damaged, and may require the help of an auto dealer or locksmith.
Newer Vehicles
For those of us who are old enough to remember in the past, it was very easy to lose your car keys without losing a significant amount of money. You could take the key's code from the owner's manual to a hardware or locksmith store and get an alternative cut at an affordable price. Things are a bit more complicated in the present. Keys in the latest cars are equipped with chips and require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. And then there are key fobs, laser cuts, and even switchblade keys - all of which cost more than a traditional mechanical key.
Ace Hardware offers up to 30 percent off when you purchase your replacement keys online. You can also use the store locator to find an Ace Hardware store near you that can service your vehicle.