How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare car key is vital to have peace of mind should you lose or damage your primary key. It could be costly.
The cost is contingent on where you've got the spare key made, whether it is at a dealership or through an locksmith. The cost also varies based on the type of key you need.
Dealerships
The dealership is one of the most common ways to obtain a replacement key. If you are requesting a replacement for your key, the dealer may request information such as vehicle make and model, VIN, and year. The dealer might also ask for documents of ownership or identification to make sure that the key is issued to the correct owner. Depending on the type of key, this process can be fairly efficient and cost-effective, however it is also important to remember that dealership services are typically 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 usually described in the owner's manual or on the website of the manufacturer. However, this procedure is usually slower and may be more expensive than calling a locksmith.
It is common to get the replacement of a key made of metal by a local locksmith at a cost of just a few dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, however the price is substantially more expensive. Expect to be charged between $50 and $200.
It is usually best to create a duplicate car key before losing the original. That way, you won't be left without a car and will have a backup in case in the event of an emergency. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and the ability to drive your car whenever you'd like.
It might be difficult to find an additional key for your vehicle but it's worth it in the event that you lose your original stolen. If you are worried about the cost of having a spare car key consult your local locksmith or automaker prior to deciding on a specific service. You can also research reliable key replacement companies and send them a list of details regarding your vehicle to find out whether they can provide you with a quote for the service. This will allow you to avoid any unexpected expenses and keep your budget in check.
Locksmiths
If you've ever been locked out of your vehicle, a spare key can help. It is essential to keep the key in a safe place, however, as you don't want to lose the key or have it stolen. A spare key can cost between $50 and $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle. You can obtain a replacement car key from a variety of sources, including a dealer, an auto-locksmith, or roadside assistance.
The dealership you bought your car is the best source of an extra key. The dealer will have the right key blank and will be able to program it to work with your vehicle. This is the most expensive, but the only way to ensure that you have a working key replacement in the event that you lose your original.
The cost will vary, but many locksmiths and hardware stores will make a car key. this article that doesn't include a transponder could be made for less than $10. However keys with fobs and smart key are more expensive.
If you're having a spare car key made be sure to use a trustworthy locksmith. They must be DBS verified and vetted, and certified to perform tasks of this kind. They should also carry insurance that covers them in the event something goes wrong during the process of key duplication.
Replacing a lost key for your car is costly however it is worth the investment to have a spare in case you lose yours or keep it locked in your car. It is always better to be prepared than risk damaging your car by trying to pry the door open using hangers. Take the time to make an extra key for your vehicle and store it in a secure location. You'll be glad you did it if you need it one day!
Older vehicles
It can be a major inconvenience to lose a vehicle key. It can lead to expensive repair costs and wasted time, especially if are unable to get into your vehicle. You can avoid all these problems by having an spare car key. A spare key can save you money in the end. But what is the price an extra car key cost? The price will depend on several aspects, including the model and make of the car and the type of key.
There are many kinds of keys for cars and some are more intricate than others. The most commonly used is a standard key that is used to lock and unlock the doors. They are easy to make and typically cost between $10 and $15 per copy. Other alternatives include key fobs, remote keys, and switchblade keys. These keys can be more advanced and come with features such as alarm activation and remote start. They may cost more than traditional keys.
If you have an older vehicle it's recommended to have a spare key created prior to losing the original. This will allow you to avoid the costly replacement costs associated with a newer vehicle. If you do lose your key, it is best to replace it immediately. This will ensure you are capable of accessing your car, and prevent theft or other problems.
A spare key for your car is a smart investment for any driver. Having a spare can be extremely useful in the event that you lose your key or it is damaged. The cost of the spare car key may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Hence, it is important to consider these aspects when choosing the right service provider.
Most modern cars also have an electronic chip in the head of keys. The chip transmits a signal to a security system of the vehicle which can verify the keys and allow drivers to unlock or start their car. If these chips become damaged or lost they may be costly to replace and could require the assistance of a locksmith or dealership.
Newer Vehicles
For those of us who are old enough to remember it the past, it was very easy to lose your car keys without loosing 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 an alternative cut at a reasonable cost. Nowadays, things are a little more complicated. Newer cars have keys with chips in them, which require the knowledge of a dealer to duplicate. There are also key fobs and laser cuts, as well switchblade keys that all cost more than the mechanical key.
However, you can save up to 30 percent at Ace Hardware when you purchase your key replacements online and utilize their store locator tool to locate the nearest location that can service your vehicle.