New car keys are not cheap, and this is kind of a hard reality. Back in the day, if your car keys were lost or even worse stolen, the only option was to tow your vehicle to your servicing dealership.
As a result, you would have to pay a hefty towing bill, hours of labour charges and a service queue at the dealership. Subject to the model and make of your car, as well as the key’s design, the cost of a single replacement key from a dealer can range from $267 to $740.
The other hassle with new keys from a dealership is that they don’t have a quick turnaround time. However, waiting for car key cutting services at a dealership is not straightforward, as depending on your car model and the dealer itself, you may be waiting somewhere from five to ten days to collect your new key replacement.
The best thing you can do to avoid spending unnecessary time and money on new replacement keys every time your keys are lost, broken, or even locked inside your car, is to prepare yourself with quick-fix solutions. Luckily enough for you, we have some easy tips on how you can save money on these occasions.
1. Store A Spare Master Key in A Secure Place
Be sure always to have a spare set of car keys kept in a safe place. If you don’t have a spare key, ensure that you have one made at your local car key cutting locksmith as soon as possible.
The value of purchasing a new car key can be somewhat expensive, and if you misplace all your car keys, you could be off the road for a couple of days which would cost you extra time and money. This emerges as a high price to pay for something that you can easily keep in a safe spot.
Having a spare master key guarantees that if your keys are misplaced, you will not find yourself in a significant inconvenience. Just make sure that if you have a car remote key fob, ensure the batteries in your spare set are working.
If you are someone who always locks your keys in your car, purchasing a simple car key without a transmitter is a great low-cost alternative. A non-remote key will do everything apart from starting the car engine and can come in handy if you accidentally leave your keys in the car.
2. Claim On Your Car Insurance
Submitting a claim through your car insurance if your keys have been lost or stolen can help offset the expenses of replacing your keys.
Depending on your insurance policy, you may also be covered for the costs of reclaiming the spare key. For example, some insurance policies even include car hire in the event that you can’t drive your own car due to being stranded or the lack of keys. Some guidelines state that the keys need to be lost for a certain period of time before the cover kicks in. Ensure that you study the small print and conditions of the contract carefully before you sign it.
So, give your insurance company a call; this may save you a lot of money!
3. Buy A Key Locator Device
You can also buy a key locator device if you often misplace your car keys. A key locator is a handy little device designed to end those frustrating and time-consuming hours spent searching for your keys. This emerges as a high price to pay for something that you can easily keep in a safe spot.
The devices use Bluetooth or radio frequencies to operate, and some key locator devices even have geofencing features that alert your mobile phone whenever your car keys are out of range.
4. Use A Waterproof Protective Cover
Reputable automotive locksmiths will always recommend using a waterproof key case to protect your car remote key. Car keys should be free from any debris or water contact to function well, particularly ideal for those individuals who have active lifestyles.
For example, a car owner won’t have to worry about stolen keys with a waterproof protective cover when surfing or diving. As the keys can be submerged in water, and the case won’t compromise the key’s functionalities while doing the sports they love.
5. Hire an Auto Locksmith
Wasting time and money getting a new key through a dealership can be very frustrating; auto locksmiths are a great alternative. The best part is that locksmiths are cheaper than the dealership. While costs usually vary from non-remote car keys to remote car keys, you can still save money by hiring auto locksmith services.
An added bonus is that these professionals come straight to your location without the hassle of you travelling. How good is that! There are no more headaches of trying to figure out how to get to the dealership without a car, and it saves you the expense of towing the vehicle.
Auto locksmiths can carry out car key cutting services and recode for most modern car keys on the spot and efficiently from 30 to 60 minutes. So rather than rushing to a dealership, your best option would be to find the right automotive locksmith service!
Better Safe Than Sorry
There’s no denying that losing or getting your car keys stolen is frustrating and stressful, especially when you are in an inconvenient location or in a for replacement. Instead, prepare in advance for the possibility of such situations and opt for these cost-effective and time-saving car key replacement options. These five tips are the best methods to save your hard-earned money and ultimately give you peace of mind.
