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. It could be costly.

The cost will vary based on the location you've had the spare key made, whether it is at an auto dealer or through the locksmith. The cost also differs based on the type of key you need.

Dealerships

The dealership is among the most popular ways to obtain a replacement key. When requesting a replacement key, the dealer could request details like the car's make a spare car key and model, VIN, and the year. Additionally, the dealer could ask for evidence of ownership and proof of identity to ensure that the new key is given to the rightful owner. Depending on the kind of key, this process can be fairly quick and cost-effective, but it is important to keep in mind that dealer services tend to be more expensive than other alternatives.

You can also purchase a generic spare car key from a hardware store or locksmith and program it yourself. This is something that many automakers permit drivers to do, and the instructions are usually included in the owner's guide or on the website of the manufacturer. However, this method is generally more time-consuming and could be more expensive than calling an locksmith.

If you own a traditional metal key, you can generally have it replaced by an area locksmith for few dollars. If your key is an electronic fob or transponder chip,, the cost will be substantially higher. Expect to spend between $50 and $200.

In most situations, it's best to have an extra car key prior to losing your original. You won't be stuck and you'll have a backup key in case of an accident. It's a small cost to be paid for peace of mind, and the freedom to drive your car whenever you'd like.

It can be a challenge to get an additional key for your car but it's worth it in the event you lose or have the original key stolen. Consult with your local locksmith or automaker before deciding on a service. You can also reach out to reputable key replacement companies and provide them with the details about your vehicle in order to receive a quote. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs and keep your budget in check.

Locksmiths

A spare car key can be life-saving if you ever get locked out of your car. It is essential to keep the key in a safe place, however, as you do not want to lose the key or have it stolen. A spare key can cost between $50 and $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle. There are several ways to obtain an alternative car key, such as the dealership, an auto locksmith, and roadside assistance.

The best way to get an extra car key is to visit the dealership that you bought your vehicle. 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 reliable method of having a functioning key in case you lose your original one.

Many locksmiths and hardware stores are able to create a car key for you, but the price may vary. A basic car key without transponder chips can typically be made for less than $10, however, a key fob or smart key could be more expensive.

If you're having a spare car key made, make sure you use a reliable locksmith. They should have an DBS check, be vetted, and be licensed to perform this type of work. They should be covered in the event of anything going wrong during the process of duplication.

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 better to be prepared rather than attempt to open your door open with a coat hanger, and risk damaging your car. Therefore, make sure to have a spare car key and store it in a safe location. You'll be happy that you did it in the event that you ever need it!

Older vehicles

Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. This can lead to costly repair costs and a loss of time, especially if your vehicle isn't accessible. If you have a spare car key, you can avoid these issues altogether. Having a spare key can also save you a lot of money in the long run. What does a spare key for the car cost? The cost can be affected by several factors, including the model and make of the vehicle and the type key.

There are several types of keys for cars and some are more intricate than others. The most common is a traditional key that can be used to lock and unlock the doors. They are simple to create and typically cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other options include key fobs remote keys and switchblade keys. These are more advanced, and include features such as alarm activation and remote start. However, they can be more expensive than conventional keys.

If you have an older car it's a good idea to have a spare key created before you lose the original key. This will allow you to avoid the costly replacement costs associated with a newer vehicle. If you lose your key you should replace it as soon as possible. This will allow you access to your vehicle and prevent theft.

A spare car key is a good investment for any driver. A spare key can be very useful in the event that you have to replace or damage your original. The cost of a replacement car key varies based on the make and Spare Car Key Cost model of the vehicle. It is crucial to take these factors into consideration when selecting the best service.

In addition to the key itself the majority of modern cars come with an electronic chip inside the head of the key. The chip transmits signals to a car's security system which can verify the keys and permit drivers to unlock or start their car. If these chips become damaged or lost they could be costly to replace and may require the assistance of a locksmith or dealership.

Newer vehicles

For those old enough to remember, it was once very easy to lose keys to cars and not lose a lot of money. You could just take the key code from the owner's manual to a locksmith or hardware store and get an alternative cut at a very reasonable price. Nowadays things are more complicated. Keys in newer automobiles are infused with chips, and require dealer knowledge to duplicate. Key fobs are also available and laser cuts, as well as switchblade keys, which all cost more than a mechanical key.

Ace Hardware offers up to 30 percent off when you purchase your replacement keys online. You can also use the store locator to find an Ace Hardware store near you that services your vehicle.