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 expensive.
The cost varies depending on the location you've had the spare key made, whether at an auto dealer or through an locksmith. The cost also differs based on the type of key you need.
spare car key fob is among the most popular ways to obtain a replacement for a key. When requesting a replacement key, the dealer could require information such as vehicle model and make, as well as the VIN, and year. The dealer may also ask for documents of ownership or identification to ensure that the key is issued to its rightful owner. Based on the type of key, this process can be relatively quick and cost-effective, but it is important to keep in mind that dealer services are generally 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 something that a lot of automakers permit drivers to do, and the steps are usually included in the owner's guide or on the website of the manufacturer. This process may be slower and more expensive than calling a locksmith.
If you have a conventional metal key, you can generally get it replaced at the local locksmith for a couple of dollars. The price is higher if the key is a transponder or an electronic fob. Expect to spend between $50 and $200.
It is recommended to make a duplicate of your 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 whenever you want.
While purchasing a new key may be a pain, it is definitely worth the expense in case you lose your original key or have it stolen. Contact your local automaker or locksmith before you decide on a service. You can also research reputable key replacement providers and provide them with details regarding your vehicle to find out whether they can provide you with an estimate for the service. This will allow you to avoid any unexpected costs and keep your budget under control.
Locksmiths
If you've ever had to get locked out of your vehicle, a spare key may be useful. Keep the spare key in a secure place as you do not want it to get lost or stolen. Depending on the model and make of your car, it can cost $50 to $200 to have a spare key made. There are a few options to obtain an alternative car key, which includes the dealership, an auto locksmith, or roadside assistance.
The best method to obtain a spare car key is to go to the dealership where you purchased 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 secure way to have a working key in the event that you lose your original one.
The cost can vary, but most locksmiths and hardware stores can create car keys. A basic car key that does not have transponder chips can typically be made for less than $10 while a key fob or smart key may be more costly.
If you're looking to get a spare car key be sure to use a reputable locksmith. They should be DBS verified and vetted, and accredited to carry out the work. They should be covered in the event of anything going wrong during the duplication process.
It's costly to replace a lost key however it's worth it to have one in the event that you lose it, or keep it locked inside the car. It is better to be prepared than risking damaging your vehicle by trying to pry the door off with hangers. Take the time to make an extra key for your car and store it safely. You'll be happy that you did it if you require it in the future!
Older Vehicles
The loss of a car key could be a huge inconvenience. This can lead to costly repair costs and a loss of time, especially if your vehicle isn't accessible. You can avoid all these problems if you have an additional car key. A spare key can also save you a lot of money in the long run. But what is the price an extra car key cost? There are a few factors that affect the cost that can affect the price, such as the make and model of the vehicle and the type of key.
There are a variety of keys for cars, some more complicated than others. The most commonly used kind of key is the traditional key, which can be used to lock and unlock doors. These are simple to make and generally cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other alternatives include switchblade keys, key fobs, and remote keys. They can be more sophisticated and come with features such as remote start and alarm activation. However, they can be more expensive than traditional keys.
If you own an older vehicle, it's a good idea to have a spare key made prior to losing the original. You can avoid the high cost of replacing a vehicle that is more modern. If you do lose your key, it's best to replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that you're capable of accessing your car and also prevent theft or other issues.
A spare car key is an excellent investment for any driver. Having a spare can be extremely beneficial in the event you lose your key, or it is damaged. The cost of an extra car key could differ based on the make and model of the vehicle, and it is essential to consider these factors when choosing the right service provider.
In addition to the key itself, the majority of modern cars come with an electronic chip inside the head of the key. The chip sends a signal to the car's security system that can confirm that the key is valid and allows drivers to open the door or start the vehicle. If the chips are damaged or destroyed, they can be expensive to replace and could require the assistance of an auto locksmith or dealer.
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 lot of money. You could just take the key code from the owner's manual to a hardware or locksmith store to have an alternative cut at a reasonable cost. It's a bit more complicated today. Modern cars have keys with chips in them, which require dealer knowledge to duplicate. Key fobs and laser cuts as well as switchblade keys, all of which cost more than a mechanical key.
There's no reason not to save up to 30% at Ace Hardware when you purchase the replacement keys online and utilize their store locator tool to locate the nearest location to service your vehicle.