How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
spare key replacement is important for peace of mind in the event you lose or break your primary key. It can be expensive.
The cost is contingent on where you have the spare key made, whether at the dealership or through a locksmith. The cost varies also depending on the type of key you require.
Dealerships
One of the primary avenues to obtain a replacement car key is through a dealer. When you request a replacement key, the dealer could require information such as vehicle make and model, VIN, and year. The dealer might also require proof of ownership or identification to ensure that the key is given to the correct owner. This procedure can be swift and cost-effective, depending on the type of keys used, but dealership services are usually more expensive.
You can purchase a generic spare key at a hardware shop, locksmith, or even online and program it yourself. Many automakers will allow drivers to do this, and it's typically covered in the owner's manual or on the website of the manufacturer. This procedure can be more time-consuming and costly than calling a locksmith.
If you have a conventional metal key, you can usually get it replaced at an area locksmith for few dollars. The price is higher if the key is a transponder or electronic fob. It could cost you about $50 to $200 or more.
In the majority of situations, it's best to have a spare car key made before you lose the original. So you won't end up without a car and will have a backup plan in the event in an emergency. It's a small price to be paid for peace of mind, and the freedom to drive the car whenever you'd like.
It may be difficult to get an additional key for your vehicle but it's worth it in the event you lose or get your original stolen. If you are concerned about the expense of a spare car key, talk to your local locksmith or automaker before deciding on a particular option. You can also reach out to reliable key replacement companies and provide them with information regarding your vehicle to receive a price. This will allow you to avoid any unexpected expenses and keep your budget in check.
Locksmiths
A spare car key can be life-saving if you ever have to be locked out of your vehicle. It is important to keep the key in a secure place, however, as you don't want to lose it or lose it. A spare key could cost between $50 and $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle. There are a few ways to obtain an extra car key, such as the dealership, auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.
The best way to get an extra car key is to visit the dealership where you purchased your vehicle. The dealer will have a blank key and can program it to work with your car. This is the most expensive option, however it is the most reliable way to have a working key in case you lose your original key.
Many locksmiths and hardware stores can make a car key for you, but the price may differ. A basic car key that does not have transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10, while a key fob, or smart key may be more expensive.
If you need a spare key for your car, you should only use an auto locksmith that is reputable. They should be DBS verified and vetted, and licensed to perform work of this type. They should be insured in case anything goes wrong during the duplication process.
Replacing a lost car keys could be expensive however it is worth the cost to have a spare in the event that you lose yours, or keep it locked in your car. It is always better to be prepared, rather than try to pry your door open using a coat hanger and risk damaging the car. Make a spare key for your car and store it safely. You'll be glad that you did it in the event that you ever need it!
Older vehicles
Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. It can lead to expensive repair costs and wasted time, especially if you are not able to access your vehicle. You can avoid all these problems by having an extra car key. The possession of a spare key could also save you lots of money in the long term. What does a spare key for an automobile cost? There are a few factors that affect the cost such as the make and model of the car and the kind of key.
There are several types of keys for cars and some are more complex than others. The most popular type of key is the standard key, which is used to lock and unlock doors. They are easy to make and generally cost between $10 and $15 per copy. Other alternatives include key fobs, remote keys and switchblade keys. These can be more advanced and come with features such as alarm activation via remote. However, they are more expensive than traditional keys.
It is a good idea to make an extra car key if you own an older car. It will save you the expensive costs of replacing a vehicle that is newer. If you lose your key, it's best to replace it as soon as you can. This will allow you to access your vehicle and prevent theft.
A spare key for your car is a smart investment for any driver. A spare key can be extremely useful should you lose or damage the original. The cost of the spare car key may differ based on the make and model of the vehicle, and it is crucial to take into consideration these aspects when choosing the right service provider.
In addition to the key itself, most modern cars come with an electronic chip inside the head of the key. The chip sends signals to the car's security system, which can verify that the key is genuine and allows drivers to unlock or start their vehicle. If the chips are damaged or lost they may be costly to replace and could require the assistance of a locksmith or dealership.
Newer vehicles
For those old enough to remember, it was quite easy to lose a car key and not have to pay a lot of money. You could simply take the key code from the owner's manual to a hardware or locksmith store and get a new one cut for an affordable price. Today things are more complicated. Keys in modern cars are embedded with chips and require dealer knowledge to duplicate. Then there are key fobs, laser cut and even switchblade keys - all of which cost more than the traditional mechanical key.
There's no reason not to save up to 30% at Ace Hardware when you purchase your key replacements online and utilize their store locator tool to find the nearest location to service your vehicle.