How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?

It can be a major inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's essential to keep an extra key in case you lose or break your primary key. But what is a spare key for your vehicle cost?

The answer depends on a number of factors. This article will help you decide whether it's worth having an extra.

Make

A spare car key is always a good idea since losing one could be a costly and stressful experience. The cost of an extra car key varies according to the make and model of your vehicle, as well as its type.

For instance, simple keys that contain no technology will be cheaper to replace because they require a simple cutting from an empty piece of paper and do not require any special encoders. A key that is incorporated into a car fob, or has a chip will require programming and will cost more.

If you have lost your sole key the first step is to find an locksmith who has a machine capable of programming your particular type of key. Alternatively, you can try to save money by having the new key cut and then programming it yourself. You can find the procedure in your owner's guide or on the internet for "how do I program (your year, make, and model) key." You could save up to $150.

Model

The model number of your vehicle determines the cost of a spare key. If you need an replacement key for a high-end model or a premium car, the cost for spare car key will be higher. The type of materials used to manufacture the key will also impact the price. It is less expensive to replace a blank than the key that has an integrated key fob. A lot of dealerships will cut and program a key from a different company for you if you'd like to save money.

Year

A spare car key is essential especially if your kids are young and may be locked out of the car. You can purchase a spare car key in many ways, including going to the dealership you purchased your car from, hiring an auto locksmith or purchasing one from the internet. Each method comes with its own cost and benefits. Before making a choice you must consider both the type and type of lock. Typically speaking the more expensive the brand is, the higher the cost will be.

Key type

A spare key can ensure that you don't end up stranded when you lose your main car keys. However the cost of having an extra car key could vary greatly depending on the type of lock your vehicle uses and the kind of key you have.

Traditional purely mechanical keys that are operated by inserting them into the ignition cylinder, they can be cut for less than $10 at the hardware store or locksmith. The more expensive alternatives keys, also known as transponder keys or chip keys, have a small electronic chip inside the key head that communicates with the vehicle to confirm it is a valid key. Dealerships are the only place where you can duplicate keys, as they have all of the equipment needed to program them.

Other advanced systems like remote starters or mirror folding can make it more expensive for the replacement of keys. These extra features are useful if you're susceptible to misplacing your keys or leave them in odd places, but they can also increase the likelihood of theft. Consider leaving a spare in a different spot and establish a routine of emptying your pockets prior getting into your vehicle. This way, you'll be certain that your buy spare car key key will be in your possession when you need it.

Locks

Having a spare car key is a smart thing to do. It can save you a lot of trouble when you lose your keys or if you lock them in the car. It is recommended to keep your spare keys in a safe place and easy to locate. For example the wall-mounted key holder or the kitchen drawer are both good locations to store it.

The type of lock that you put on your vehicle will also influence the cost of a replacement key. The cost of replacing the traditional keys that unlock the car door by inserting them into the lock is less than replacing smart key fobs. Smart key fobs emit an electronic code that allows you to unlock the car or start it from the distance.

If you lose your smart key, you will need to go to an establishment or locksmith for a replacement. They will have to confirm that you're the owner of the vehicle, which could require providing proof such as the registration or title.

In the past it wasn't a huge deal to lose your car keys. But with technological advancements in cars, it's not as easy to find a spare. It can be expensive to have a new key made by a locksmith or dealer. Here are some tips to help you determine how much it will cost to get a replacement car key made.

Dealership

It's important to keep an extra car key in your pocket regardless of whether you lost your keys or they were stolen. You'll save time and money in the long run. You will also avoid having to call for a tow if you find yourself stranded without keys. There are a variety of options to obtain an alternative key, such as dealerships, locksmiths, and online services. The options are varied in terms of cost and convenience, so you should research the options before making a final decision.

The cost will also be contingent on the type of key you need. Keys of the traditional type are cheap and simple to replace. More sophisticated keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, keys alarm activation, remote start, and alarm activation, could require special components that are more difficult to locate or create. Keep a record of the immobilizer code, and also your key number. This will allow you to save money.

The most reliable way to get a spare car key is to go to the dealer that sells your vehicle's brand. This will ensure that you have a key that is compatible with your car's system and has been programmed correctly. It's more expensive however, you'll be sure to have a key that functions in the event that you require one. It is also the only way to get keys for some of the latest models.