If you are looking to have an extra set of car keys made, maybe it’s because you have lost your keys. Or, maybe you just want to have a spare set as a backup in case the main set is misplaced or damaged in the future. Either way, you have several options at your disposal to get new car keys. Here is a look at the five major ones.
- A Car Locksmith
When it comes to affordability, a car locksmith is your best alternative for new keys. Since the barrier to entry compared to the other options is relatively low, auto locksmiths operate in a highly competitive environment. Because of this, locksmiths set their prices fairly low to avoid pricing themselves out of the market.
A car locksmith Edmonton expert is the fastest option to get a new set of keys, and you can have them ready in just a single visit. Most offer a mobile 24-7 service and can be on location in a fairly short period of time. They can also resolve the issue on-site, so you do not have to endure the time and cost of moving your vehicle somewhere else. Many carry sophisticated key programming equipment with them that allows key replacements for nearly all car makes, models and key types.
- Insurance Company
Car key loss and replacement is not always covered by your vehicle’s insurance provider. Different policies and insurers will have different coverage terms and conditions.
Some insurance companies have a key policy as an add-on to the main policy. They will replace your car keys, but you may then have to pay higher premiums to be eligible for this extra. Other insurers offer key coverage as an independent policy, though coverage varies between providers. Some will not accept claims for stolen car keys, for example.
Overall, insurance companies are not in the business of replacing car keys so they will usually contract a third party such as an auto locksmith or car dealership to do the job. Seeking a key replacement or set of duplicates via an insurance company is expensive, because the insurer is effectively an intermediary. Also, making a claim could raise your premiums in future.
- Roadside Assistance Services
Roadside assistance services may provide some assistance with car key replacement or duplication. It often depends on the type of vehicle in question as well as the equipment and expertise the assistance service has.
Key replacement is not their core business, so they may only provide limited support in this regard. It is possible that the key programming equipment required is not available to them, so you may have to wait. Also, because you are not dealing with subject matter experts, there is a higher risk of car damage or poor workmanship.
Just like insurance companies, roadside assistance services will probably engage a third party such as an auto locksmith. If that occurs, you can expect to pay significantly more than you would if you contacted a car locksmith directly.
- Car Dealership
When it comes to expertise in key replacement, only auto locksmiths can rival your vehicle’s dealership. The dealership has extensive, manufacturer-provided knowledge of your car and that includes the locking infrastructure. But while being part of a dealership network has distinct benefits, it comes with some notable disadvantages.
First, this is the most expensive option for key replacement. Second, it may be the slowest method of them all. Also, dealerships are unlikely to come to where you are. That means you will have to hire a towing service if you are unable to access or start the car. All this only increases your overall costs.
Third, dealerships may be bogged down by strict inventory management protocols. That implies it is possible the key blank may not be available at that time you need it and has to be ordered.
- Local Garage
When it comes to local garages replacing your car keys, it is a hit or miss. The diversity in knowledge, experience and equipment between local garages is too great to predict the outcome when you go to a random one close to where you need the service.
Small garages may have to hire diagnostic and programming equipment which would make key replacement expensive. Even for the larger garages who have key programming equipment, they may not have the one that is specific to your vehicle.
Local garages should be a last resort as many may not have the specialist expertise necessary to resolve the issue quickly and competently.
Make the Right Choice
Your car keys can make the difference between accessing your vehicle and getting stranded for hours. Taking care of your car keys is crucial if you want to avoid the cost and inconvenience of getting a replacement. But despite your best efforts at keeping an eye on your keys, you will likely need to get them replaced or duplicated at least once in your life.
Each of the five options covered here have merits and demerits. Ultimately, you have to make the best choice depending on your unique circumstances, preferences and needs. For example, while you may prefer going to your car dealership, you may want to opt for an auto locksmith if you want a quick solution.
It’s good to know that I can get my automotive keys replaced or duplicated by a skilled locksmith. I’m glad to hear that it seems to be the cheapest option and that they are armed with the equipment that can let them open any kind of car as well. I’m a bit forgetful so I fear that one day I may lose my keys while I’m out of the house. In order for me to avoid calling my insurance or having to break the window, I’m thinking I should just get a duplicate that I can leave at home and use in case of emergencies.