How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?

A spare key for your car is crucial to ensure peace of mind in the event that you lose or damage your primary key. It can be expensive.

The cost will vary depending on whether you purchase the spare key from a dealer or a locksmith. The cost is also contingent on the type you need.

Dealerships

One of the most common methods to get a replacement key is through the dealer. If you are requesting a replacement for your key, the dealer may request details like the car's model and make, VIN, and the year. In addition, the dealer might request proof of ownership and identification to ensure that the new key is issued to the correct owner. This process is usually quick and cost-effective, depending on the type of keys used, however, dealership services are typically more expensive.

You can also purchase a generic key at a hardware store locksmith, or 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 traditional metal key, you can generally have it replaced by the local locksmith for a couple of dollars. If your key is an electronic fob or transponder chip, however the price will be substantially more expensive. It will likely run you around $50-$200 or more.

In most instances, it is recommended to have an extra car key prior to losing your original. So you won't be stranded and you will have a backup plan in the event in an emergency. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and the freedom to drive your vehicle whenever you want.

While buying a new car key can be a hassle however, it's worth the expense in case you ever lose your original one or have it stolen. Contact your local locksmith or automaker before you decide on a service. You can also look up reputable key replacement providers and send them a list of details about your vehicle to see whether they are able to provide you with a quote for the service. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs and keep your budget in control.

Locksmiths

If you've ever been locked out of your car, a spare key may be useful. It is crucial to keep the key in a secure place, however, as you don't want to lose it or have it stolen. A spare van keys key can cost between $50 and $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle. There are a variety of options to obtain an extra car key, which includes the dealership, auto locksmith, and Spare Car Key cost roadside assistance.

The best way to acquire an extra car key is to go to the dealership that you bought your vehicle. 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 functional key replacement in the event that you lose the original.

The cost can differ, but a lot of hardware stores and locksmiths can make car keys. 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 can be much more expensive.

If you're having a spare car key made ensure that you choose a trustworthy locksmith. They should be DBS checked and vetted and licensed to perform tasks of this kind. They should also have insurance that covers them in the event something goes wrong during the key duplication process.

It can be expensive to replace the key that was lost but it's worthwhile to have one in the event that you lose it, or put it in the car. It is always safer to be prepared, rather than try to pry your door open using a coat hanger and risk damaging the car. So, make the effort to get an extra car key and keep it in a secure place. You'll be happy that you did it if you need it one day!

Older cars

The loss of a car key could be a huge inconvenience. This could result in costly repair costs and lost work time, especially if your vehicle isn't able to be accessed. You can avoid all of these problems by having an additional car key. A spare key can also save you a significant amount of dollars in the end. How much does a spare key for a car cost? The price can be affected by several aspects, including the model and make of the vehicle and the type of key.

There are several types 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 the doors. These are simple to make, and usually only cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other options include key fobs remote keys, and switchblade keys. These can be more advanced and include features like alarm activation via remote. However, they can be more expensive than traditional keys.

It is a good idea to create an extra car key in case you own an older vehicle. This will save you the cost of replacing it with a newer vehicle. However, if you do lose the key, it's best to replace it as soon as possible. This will ensure that you are capable of accessing your car, and prevent theft or other problems.

A spare car key is a wise investment for any driver. The benefit of having a spare key is very useful in the event you lose your keys, or it is damaged. The cost of a replacement key varies depending on the model and make of the vehicle. It is important to take these aspects into consideration when choosing the best provider.

The majority of modern cars also have an electronic chip in the head of keys. The chip sends an electronic signal to the car's security system, which can verify that the key is valid and permits drivers to open the door or start the vehicle. If the chips are damaged or lost they may be costly to replace and may require the assistance of an expert locksmith or Spare Car Key Cost a dealership.

Newer Vehicles

For those old enough to remember, it was once extremely easy to lose keys to cars and not lose much money. You could take the code from the owner's manual to the local hardware store or locksmith, and get an alternative key cut at the most affordable cost. Today, things are a little more complicated. Keys in the latest cars are embedded with chips, and they require dealer knowledge to duplicate. Key fobs are also available and laser cuts, as well as switchblade keys, which all cost more than the mechanical key.

There's no reason not to save up to 30 percent at Ace Hardware when you purchase your replacement keys online. You can also use their convenient store locator tool to pinpoint the closest location that services your vehicle.