How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?

A spare car key is crucial to ensure peace of mind if you lose or damage your primary key. However, it can be expensive.

The cost will vary based on whether you buy the spare key from a retailer or a locksmith. The cost also differs based on the kind of key you require.

Dealerships

One of the primary avenues for obtaining a replacement car key is through the dealer. Typically, dealers require details such as the car's make and model year, as well as the VIN when they request a new key. The dealer may also ask for evidence of ownership or identification to ensure the key is issued to its rightful owner. This process can be quick and cost-effective, depending on the type of keys used, however, dealer services are generally more expensive.

You can also purchase a generic spare key at a hardware store locksmith or online and program it yourself. This is something that a lot of automakers permit drivers to do, and the steps are usually in the owner's manual or on the official website of the manufacturer. This procedure can be slower and more expensive than calling a locksmith.

It is common to get the replacement of a key made of metal by a locksmith local to you for just a couple of dollars. If your key is an electronic fob or transponder chip, however, the cost will be significantly higher. It could cost you about $50 to $200 or more.

In the majority of cases, it is best to have a spare car key made before you lose the original. You won't be stuck and you'll have an additional key in the event of an accident. It's a small price to pay to have peace of mind and the freedom to drive your car whenever you'd like.

While purchasing a new key isn't easy, it is definitely worth the expense in case you lose your original or get it stolen. If you are concerned about the cost of having a spare car key speak to your local locksmith or automaker before you decide on a specific service. You can also look up 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 help you avoid any unexpected expenses and keep your budget in check.

Locksmiths

If you've ever been locked out of your car A spare key could come in handy. Keep the spare key in a safe place, as you don't want it to be lost or stolen. A spare key could cost between $50 and $200 depending on the model and make of your car. There are a variety of ways to get an extra car key, including the dealership, auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.

The best way to acquire a spare car key is at the dealership that you bought your car. The dealer will have the appropriate key blank and will be in a position to program it so that it works with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option, however, it's the only way to be sure that you have a working key replacement in the event that you lose the original.

Many hardware stores and locksmiths are able to create a car key for you however the cost could differ. A basic car key with transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10 while a key fob, or smart key can be much more costly.

Whenever you are getting a spare car key made be sure to use a reputable locksmith. They should pass a DBS check and be vetted. They must also be accredited to do this kind of work. They should also be insured that covers them in the event something goes wrong during the process of key duplication.

It's costly to replace the key that was lost, but it's worth it to have a spare car keys cost in case you lose it or keep it locked inside the car. It is best to be prepared rather than risk damaging your car by trying to pry the door off with hangers. So, take the time to have a spare car key made and keep it in a safe place. You'll be happy that you did it in the event that you ever need it!

Older cars

It can be a major inconvenience to lose a car key. It can result in expensive repair bills and lost time, particularly if you are not able to access your vehicle. If you have a spare car key, however, you can prevent these issues completely. A spare key can save you money in the end. How much does an extra key for a car cost? There are a few variables that affect the cost such as the make and model of the car and the kind of key.

There are a variety of keys for cars and some are more complicated than others. The most popular kind of key is the standard key, which can be used both to lock and unlock doors. These are simple to make and typically cost between $10 and $15 per copy. Other alternatives include key fobs, remote keys and switchblade keys. They can be more sophisticated and include features like alarm activation via remote. They can be more costly than the traditional keys.

If you have an older car, it's a good idea to have a spare key made before losing the original one. This will save you the high replacement costs of a newer vehicle. If you lose your keys you should replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure you are able to access your car and also prevent theft or other issues.

A spare car key is an excellent investment for any driver. A spare key can be extremely useful in the event that you lose your key, or it is damaged. The cost of an extra car key could differ depending on the brand and model of the vehicle, so it is essential to consider these aspects when choosing a service provider.

In addition to the key itself, the majority of modern vehicles include an electronic chip in the head of the key. This chip emits a signal to the security system of the car that can confirm that the key is valid and allows drivers to unlock or start their vehicle. The chips can be extremely costly to replace if they are lost or damaged and could require the help of locksmiths or dealers.

Newer Vehicles

For those of us who are old enough to remember in the past, it was extremely easy to lose your car keys without losing a significant amount of money. You could simply take the key's code from the owner's manual to a locksmith or hardware store and have an alternative cut at a very reasonable price. Today things are more complicated. The latest cars have keys that have chips built in, which require the knowledge of a dealer to duplicate. And 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 percent at Ace Hardware when you purchase your key replacements online and use their convenient store locator tool to locate the nearest location to service your vehicle.