How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare car key is important for peace of mind in the event you lose or break your primary key. It can be expensive.
The cost will vary depending on whether you get the spare key from a dealer or locksmith. The cost also varies based on the type you need.
Dealerships
One of the most common methods for obtaining a replacement car key is through a dealer. When requesting a replacement key, the dealer could ask for details such as the vehicle's model and make, as well as the VIN, and the year. In addition, the dealer might require documents of ownership and identification to ensure that the replacement key is issued to the correct owner. This process is usually quick and cost-effective, depending on the type of keys you require, however, dealership services are typically more expensive.
You can also purchase a generic spare car key at an auto repair shop or locksmith and program it yourself. This is something that many automakers allow drivers to do, and the instructions are usually found in the owner's manual or on the website of the manufacturer. However, spare car key maker near me is generally slower and can be more expensive than calling an locksmith.
If you have a conventional metal key, you can usually get it replaced at the local locksmith for a couple of dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, however the price will be significantly higher. It will likely run you about $50 to $200 or more.
In the majority of cases, it is best to have a spare car key made prior to losing your original. You won't get stuck and you'll have an additional 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.
It can be a challenge to get a new key for your vehicle but it's worth it if you lose or get your original key stolen. Talk to your local automaker or locksmith before you decide on a service. You can also reach out to reliable key replacement firms and provide them with the details about your vehicle to get a quote. This can help you avoid unexpected costs and keep your budget in the right place.
Locksmiths
If you've ever been locked out of your vehicle, a spare key may help. It is important to keep the key in a safe place, however, as you don't want to lose the key or have it stolen. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, it can cost $50 to $200 to have a spare key made. There are several ways to get an extra car key, including the dealership, an auto locksmith, or roadside assistance.
The best way to acquire a spare car key is at the dealership that you bought your vehicle. The dealer will have the correct key blank and will be able to program it to work with your vehicle. This is the most expensive, however, it's the only way to be sure that you have a working replacement key in the event you lose the original.
The cost can differ, but a lot of locksmiths and hardware stores can create a car key. A basic car key that does not have a transponder can be made for less than $10. However keys fobs, key fobs and smart keys are more expensive.
If you require an extra key for your car, you should only work with a reputable auto locksmith. They should be DBS verified and checked, and certified to perform work of this type. They should be insured in the event that something goes wrong during the process of duplication.
It's expensive to replace a lost key but it's worthwhile to have a spare in case you lose it or lock it inside the car. It is always safer to be prepared, rather than attempt to pry your door open with an old coat hanger and risk damaging your car. So, take the time to get an extra car key and store it in a safe place. You'll be glad that you did it in the event that you require it in the future!
Older vehicles
It's a major hassle to lose your car key. It can lead to expensive repair bills and lost time, especially if you cannot access your vehicle. You can avoid all these issues if you own an spare car key. The possession of a spare key could also save you a significant amount of money in the long term. But how much does a spare car key cost? There are several factors that can influence the price such as the model and make of the car and the type of key.
There are a variety of car keys, some more complicated than others. The most popular is a traditional key that is used to lock and unlock the doors. These are simple to make and generally cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other alternatives include key fobs, remote keys, and switchblade keys. These can be more advanced and include features such as alarm activation and remote start. However, spare car key maker can be more expensive than traditional keys.
It is a good idea to make an extra car key if you own an older vehicle. This will help you avoid the cost of replacing it with a newer vehicle. If you lose your keys it is best to replace it as soon as possible. This will allow you to gain access to your vehicle and avoid theft.
A spare key for your car is a wise investment for any driver. A spare key can be extremely useful should you lose or damage the original. The cost of a replacement key varies depending on the model and make of the vehicle. It is important to take these factors into consideration when choosing the best provider.
The majority of modern cars also have an electronic chip inside the head of the keys. The chip transmits signals to a security system in the car that can verify the key and allow drivers to open or start their vehicle. The chips can be extremely expensive to replace if they are lost or damaged, and may require the help of locksmiths or dealers.
Newer vehicles
For those who are old enough to remember it, it used to be very easy to lose your car keys without loosing a lot of cash. You could simply take the key code from the owner's manual to a locksmith or hardware store to have a new one cut for a very reasonable price. Today things are a bit more complicated. Keys in newer cars are embedded with chips and require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. There are also key fobs, laser cut and even switchblade keys all of which cost a lot 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 locate the nearest location that services your vehicle.