How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare car key is essential to ensure peace of mind should you lose or damage your primary key. However, it can be expensive.
The cost is contingent on where you have the spare key made, whether at a dealership or through an locksmith. The cost varies also depending on the type of key you need.
Dealerships
One of the most common methods to obtain a replacement car key is through a dealership. Typically, dealers ask for information like the vehicle's model and make year, as well as the VIN when they request a new key. The dealer might request proof of ownership or proof of identity to ensure that the key is given to its rightful owner. Depending on the kind of key, this procedure is usually efficient and cost-effective, however it is crucial to keep in mind that dealer services tend to be more expensive than other alternatives.
You can also purchase a generic key at a hardware store locksmith, or even online and program it yourself. This is something that many automakers permit drivers to do, and the steps are usually in the owner's manual or on the website of the manufacturer. However, this procedure is usually slower and may be more expensive than contacting an locksmith.
It is possible to have an old key replaced by a local locksmith at a cost of only a few dollars. If your key is an electronic fob or transponder chip, the price is significantly more expensive. Expect to be charged between $50 and $200.
In the majority of instances, it is recommended to have a spare car key prior to losing your original. That way you won't be stranded and you will have a backup plan in the event in an emergency. It's a small cost to be paid for peace of mind and the freedom to drive your car whenever you want.
While buying a new car key may be a pain, it is definitely worth the cost in case you ever lose your original key or have it stolen. Talk to your local automaker or locksmith before deciding on a service. You can also search for reputable key replacement providers and provide them with details about your vehicle to see whether they are able to 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 been locked out of your car A spare key could come in handy. Keep the spare key in a secure place as you do not want it to get lost or stolen. A spare key could cost between $50 and $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle. There are several ways to obtain a replacement car key, such as the dealership, auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.
The dealer where you bought your car is the best location to purchase an extra key. 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 method to ensure you have a functioning key in case you lose the original key.
The cost can differ, but a lot of locksmiths and hardware stores will create a car key. A basic car key with transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10, while a key fob, or smart key could be more costly.
If you're having a spare car key be sure to use a trustworthy locksmith. They should be DBS verified and checked, and accredited to carry out the work. They should also have insurance that covers them in case something goes wrong during the key duplication process.
It's expensive to replace the key that was lost, but it's worth it to have a spare in the event that you lose it, or keep it locked inside the car. It is always safer to be prepared rather than try to pry your door open using a coat hanger, and risk damaging your car. Therefore, make sure to get an extra car key and store it in a safe location. You'll be thankful you did if you ever require it!
Older cars
The loss of a car key could be a huge hassle. It can result in expensive repair costs and wasted time, particularly if you cannot access your vehicle. You can avoid all these problems if you have an extra car key. A spare key will also save you money in the end. But how much does a spare car key cost? There are a few factors that affect the cost that can affect the price, such as the model and make of the vehicle and the type of key.
There are a variety of keys for cars and some are more complicated than others. The most commonly used is a standard key that is used to lock and unlock doors. These are easy to make and cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other alternatives include switchblade keys, key fobs and remote keys. These can be more advanced and come with features such as alarm activation via remote. However, they are more expensive than traditional keys.
If you have an older vehicle, it is an ideal idea to have a spare key made before losing the original one. You can avoid the high cost of replacing a vehicle that is newer. If you lose your key, it's best to replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure you are in a position to gain access to your vehicle and also prevent theft or other problems.
A spare car key is a wise investment for any driver. A spare key can be very useful if you have to replace or damage your original. The cost of a replacement key varies based on the make and model of the car. It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when choosing the right service.
Most modern cars also have an electronic chip embedded inside the head of the keys. lost spare car key emits signals to the security system of the car that can confirm that the key is valid and allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle. If these chips are damaged or lost, they can be expensive to replace and could require the assistance of an expert locksmith or a dealership.
Newer vehicles
For those of us who are old enough to remember the past, it was very easy to lose your car keys without losing a lot of money. You could take the code from the owner's manual to a hardware store or locksmith and get the replacement key cut for a very affordable price. The process is a little more complicated nowadays. Keys in the latest cars are embedded with chips and require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. Then there are key fobs, laser cut, and even switchblade keys - all of which cost a lot more than the traditional mechanical key.
Ace Hardware offers up to 30 percent off when you purchase your replacement keys online. You can also use the convenient store locator to locate an Ace Hardware store near you that will service your vehicle.