How Much Does a Spare Key For Your Car Cost?

It's an enormous inconvenience to lose your car keys. It's important to keep one spare in case you lose or break your primary key. How much does it cost to get a spare car key?

The answer will depend on several factors. This article will help you determine if it's worth having an extra made.

Make

It's always a good idea to keep an extra car key as losing a key can be costly and stressful. However, the cost of having a spare key can differ based on the vehicle's make and model and the kind of key you have.

For example, basic keys that contain no technology will be less expensive to replace as they require only a simple cut from blanks and do not require any special encoders. However, a key that is fitted with an auto fob or transponder chips will have to be programmed by experts, which will increase the price.

If you've lost your primary key, the first step is to locate an authorized locksmith with an equipment that can program 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 the owner's manual or go online to search for "how do I program (your year make and model) key." You could save up to $150.

Model

The model of your vehicle determines the cost of an extra key. If you need a key replacement for a high-end model or premium vehicle, the cost will be higher. The kind of material used to make the key also impacts the cost. It is cheaper to replace a blank rather than a key with an integrated key fob. Many dealerships can also cut and program a third-party key for you if you prefer to save money.

Year

It is important to have a spare car key, particularly if you have young children who might get locked out of the car. There are several options to obtain an extra key, such as going to the dealership where you bought your car, spare key for car cost using an auto locksmith, or purchasing one on the internet. Each method comes with its own cost for spare car key and advantages. Before you make a decision, you should consider both the type and type of lock. Typically speaking the more expensive the brand is the more expensive the price will be.

Key type

Having a spare key can prevent you from being left in the event that you lose your car keys. The cost of having a spare key for your car can vary based on the type of lock and key that you have.

Keys that are mechanically made and are operated by inserting them into an ignition cylinder can be cut for as little as $10 at a hardware store or locksmith. The more expensive alternative chip keys, also known as transponder keys, are equipped with a tiny electronic chip inside the key head that communicates with the vehicle to verify that it is a genuine key. Dealerships are the only places where you can duplicate these keys, because they have all the necessary equipment to program them.

Other advanced systems like remote starters and mirror folding can make it more expensive for the replacement of keys. These extra features can be beneficial if you are prone to losing your keys, or place them in a strange location, but they can also increase the risk of theft. Consider leaving a spare in a different location and establish a routine of emptying your pockets prior getting into your vehicle. You can be sure your spare key is available whenever you need it.

Locks

A spare car key is a smart thing to do. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble when you lock your keys in the car or lose them. However, you should always keep your spare key For car cost keys in a secure place and ensure that you leave it somewhere that is easy to find. It can be put in a key holder placed on the wall or in a drawer in your kitchen.

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

If you lose your smart keys, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to get an alternative. These specialists will verify that you have ownership of the vehicle. This could require you to provide proof like the registration or title.

In the past the time of car keys being lost, it was not a major issue. However, with the technological advances in cars, it's no longer as easy to get a spare. You'll have to go to an authorized dealer or locksmith to have a new one made for you and it can be costly. Here are some suggestions to help you figure out how much it will cost to get a spare car key made.

Dealership

It's important to keep a spare car key handy regardless of whether you lost your keys or were stolen. You'll save time and money in the long run. It also stops you from having to call a truck if you are stranded without a key. There are a few alternatives to get a replacement key, spare key for car cost including locksmiths, dealerships, and online services. You should compare the price and convenience of these options before making a choice.

The kind of key you require will also impact the price. Keys of the traditional type are cheap and easy to replace. More sophisticated keys are more expensive. Certain features, like mirror folding, alarm activation and remote start, may require specific components, which are harder to locate or create. It is essential to keep an inventory of your immobilizer code and the number of your key which will help lower the overall cost.

The most reliable way to get an extra car key is to visit the dealer that sells your vehicle's brand. You'll receive an appropriate key that is compatible with the vehicle's system and is programmed correctly. It's more expensive but you'll be certain to have a key that functions when you require it. It is also the only method to get keys for some of the latest models.