Whether you’ve lost your car keys or have family members and friends who use your car, it can be handy to have more than one set of keys for your car on hand. But the company or vendor you bought your car from may only give you one or two keys. How can you have more keys cut for yourself at a good price? Know more about the cheapest place to get a car key made in this article below.
What’s the cheapest place to get a car key made?
Although prices will vary depending on your model, car keys can be made relatively cheaply and quickly from several locations. You can choose between a locksmith, car dealerships in your area, and some home hardware companies.
How much does it cost to copy my key?
The price of having your key copied can vary. Depending on your car’s build, model and year, it can cost between $10-$200 for each copy you commission. If your car is a new or advanced model, any new keys you order will need to be made with built-in primary circuitry programming, which can increase the price. On average, the cheaper option will be ordering from a locksmith or local metalworker than from a dealership. Often, dealerships don’t have metalworking technology on hand, and may not have copies of your model’s key in stock, which would require ordering a new copy for a longer wait time and a higher cost. In many cases, it’s the cheaper and quicker option to go to a local locksmith or home hardware store to have new car keys made. Just remember that some locksmiths won’t have the equipment or tech to set up programmed or remote-controlled keys. In this case, it’s wise to seek out a dealership for assistance in ordering new copies.
Is there anything I should check before placing an order?
Before reaching out to a dealership or a locksmith, it will be helpful to determine what kind of key you have. Car keys differ between companies and model types, so it will be useful to know if you’re looking to make copies of the key to a Hyundai or Toyota. It will also be important to know if and how much your key has electronic components.
Should I take my car with me to order new copies?
Yes. It’s very helpful for the copier to be able to take account of your car’s build and model. This will assist the copier in determining the shape of the key(s) to be cut, and in seeing if your car has synced programming with your keys that will need to be included in your copies.
How long does it take to get my new keys?
Copying car keys can take a little bit longer than copying ordinary house keys, as it can be necessary to attach a remote and input programming to the new set of keys. In most cases, new keys will be finished and ready for you within 5-10 days of ordering. This time frame does vary between locations and services, however, and it’s important to consult with your locksmith on time frames if this is a time-sensitive issue.
Conclusion
Having multiple copies of your car key in cheapest place can be helpful in many different situations, and the process of ordering new copies is simple and can be very cheap. You can choose to order new keys from a local dealership, a locksmith, or a home hardware store, often without having to leave your hometown. At the same time, it’s important to have an idea of your car’s model and year, and the degree of programming that comes with your car keys, as this will influence the cost of making copies as well as the time it takes to create new keys for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make a new copy if I’ve lost all my keys?
While it’s easier to make car key copies if you have the original set with you, it’s possible to order new keys if your original set has been lost or broken.
First, you’ll need to find your car’s VIN code. The VIN looks like a barcode, and it should be visible from your car’s dashboard or engine bay.
Once you’ve found your VIN code, you will need to provide it to a locksmith or dealer as part of the ordering process. The VIN code will give the copier key information on the shape or a model’s keys and any programming that must be built into keys for this car.
- What if I can’t find my VIN number?
If your car’s VIN number isn’t visible on your dashboard or engine bay, you can also find it in your car’s manual. If you’re still having trouble finding the VIN code, you can also contact the car company for assistance.
- Does ordering a key with a VIN take longer?
On average, it does take longer to order new keys with a VIN number instead of a physical set of car keys. This process can take more time because the copier will need to match up your VIN code with entries in the VIN database to match up the key shape as best as possible, without the added benefit of just duplicating the key you already have.
