How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
The possession of a spare car key is important to ensure your safety in the event that you lose or break your primary key. It can be expensive.
The cost will vary based on where you've got the spare key made, whether at an auto dealer or through a locksmith. The cost varies also depending on the type of key you need.
Dealerships
One of the primary avenues to get a replacement key is through a dealership. When requesting a replacement key, the dealer may request details like the car's model and make, VIN, as well as the year. Additionally, the dealer may ask for proof of ownership and identification to ensure that the new key is given to the rightful owner. Based on the type of key, this process can be fairly affordable and quick, but it is crucial to remember that dealership services are typically more expensive than other alternatives.
Alternately, you can purchase a generic spare car key at an auto repair shop or locksmith and program it yourself. This is a procedure that many automakers allow drivers to do, and the directions are usually found in the owner's guide or on the official website of the manufacturer. This procedure can be more time-consuming and costly than calling a locksmith.
You can usually get the replacement of a key made of metal by a local locksmith for a couple of dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, however, the cost will be significantly more expensive. It is likely to cost around $50-$200 or more.
It is generally recommended to create a duplicate car key before you lose 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 at any time you like.
While buying a new car key may be a pain but it's definitely worth the expense in case you ever lose your original or have it stolen. Contact your local locksmith or automaker before deciding on a service. You can also reach out to reliable key replacement companies and provide them with details about your vehicle to receive a price. This will help you avoid any unexpected expenses and keep your budget under control.
Locksmiths
A spare car key can be a lifesaver in the event that you ever get locked out of your car. Keep the spare key in a secure place as you do not want it to be lost or stolen. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle it can cost anywhere from between $50 and $200 to get a spare key made. There are a few ways to obtain a replacement car key, such as the dealership, auto locksmith, or roadside assistance.
spare key replacement to acquire a spare car key is to go to the dealership where you bought your car. The dealer will have a blank key, and can program it to work with your car. This is the most expensive option but it's the most reliable method of having a functioning key in the event that you lose the original key.
Many locksmiths and hardware stores can make a car key for you however, the cost may differ. A basic car key that doesn't have a transponder can be made for less than $10. However, a key fob and smart keys are more expensive.
If you need an extra key for your car, only work with an auto locksmith who is reliable. They should be DBS verified and vetted, and certified to perform tasks of this kind. They should be insured in case anything goes wrong during the process of duplication.
It's costly to replace a lost key but it's worthwhile to have one in the event of losing it or lock it inside the car. It is best to be prepared, rather than risking damaging your vehicle by trying to open the door open with hangers. So, take the time to have a spare car key made and store it in a secure place. You'll be thankful you did if you ever require it!
Older vehicles
It can be a major hassle to lose your car key. It can result in costly repair bills and lost time, especially if cannot access your vehicle. If you have a spare car key, you can avoid these issues altogether. A spare key can also save you lots of dollars in the end. But what is the price a spare car key cost? There are a few variables that could affect the price that can affect the price, such as the make and model of the vehicle as well as the type of key.
There are a variety of keys for cars and some are more intricate than others. The most commonly used type of key is the standard key, which is used both to lock and unlock doors. These are easy to make and cost between $10 and $15 per copy. Other options include key fobs, remote keys, and switchblade keys. They are more sophisticated, and can have features such as alarm activation and remote start. They are more expensive than conventional keys.
It's a good idea to create an extra car key in case you own an older car. This will save you the costly replacement costs associated with newer vehicles. If you lose your keys, 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 issues.
A spare car key is a good investment for any driver. A spare key can be extremely useful in the event you lose your key or if it gets damaged. The cost of the spare car key may differ depending on the brand and model of the vehicle, so it is essential to consider these aspects when choosing the right service provider.
The majority of modern cars also have an electronic chip embedded inside the head of the keys. This chip transmits an electronic signal to the car's security system, which can verify that the key is legitimate and allows the driver to open the door or start the vehicle. If these chips become damaged or destroyed they could be costly to replace and may require the assistance of an auto locksmith or dealer.
Newer vehicles
For those old enough to remember, it was once extremely easy to lose keys to cars and not lose much money. You could just take the key's code from the owner's manual to a locksmith or hardware store and have a new one cut for a very reasonable price. Today things are more complicated. Newer cars have keys with chips that are built-in, and require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. And then there are 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.