Yes, having a spare key on hand is more beneficial than you might think. Here are a few reasons why you should consider having one made, and how a professional locksmith can help.

1. Emergency Situations

First, there is the most obvious reason. Whether you’re running late for an important meeting or rushing a loved one to the hospital, realizing you’ve misplaced your car key in an urgent situation is not good. In moments like this, having a spare key readily accessible can save your day. You can always look for your regular key after you’ve addressed the situation. From locking your keys inside the car to losing them completely, and being stranded while you’re away from home, a spare key or professional locksmith can help you in extenuating circumstances.

2. Avoiding Lockouts

Locking your keys in your car can needlessly create very real problems. Not only is it frustrating, but it can cause a major inconvenience as well. This is especially true if you’re in a remote area or dealing with unfavorable weather conditions. However, having a spare key tucked away safely lets you regain access to your vehicle even when you’ve locked the keys inside. Without a spare key in this instance, you’ll need to shell out for emergency services, and potentially wait a while until help arrives.

3. Peace of Mind

Knowing that you have a spare key handy in case of an emergency adds a layer of calm to your otherwise busy day. You can gain a sense of security, and peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling with family members you feel obligated to protect (like children and the elderly). You likely have a backup plan at home in case of a fire, right? The same concept applies to key-related emergencies, as spare keys alleviate unnecessary stress, and worry. It’s a simple precaution, but one that can make a world of difference as you deal with unforeseen circumstances while on the road.

4. Cost Savings

A spare key is a small expense in the grand scheme of things. Still, some are hesitant to make this investment, or view it as unnecessary. But it’s a small price to pay compared to the potential costs associated with losing or damaging your primary keys. As technology improves, modern car keys (especially programmable keys or fobs) are getting more expensive to replace, which can dwarf the cost of a spare key. It’s also possible replacing your main keys will involve specialized equipment and programming, which will up the cost as well. 

5. Convenient Sharing

If you want to loan a car to a family member or trusted friend, it takes more trust if you only have one set of car keys on hand. With a spare key readily available, it’s easier and more convenient to loan out your spare key, whether for carpooling, running errands or a short trip. Having multiple keys also means you don’t have to worry as much about handovers or scheduling conflicts, giving you extra flexibility, and accessibility. 

6. Preventing Wear and Tear

One overlooked reason is the fact that your key wears down over time. So the more you use your regular key, the higher the likelihood will be of that key breaking or malfunctioning. A spare key can help here if you rotate between your spare, and regular keys from time to time, maximizing the lifespan of both. Distributing the usage more evenly will go a long way to maintaining the functionality of your car’s locking system.

7. Preparedness

Last, but not least, spare keys can help you respond to certain situations faster and easier. With events like natural disasters or local emergencies, time is of the essence, and a spare key will help you quickly evacuate or access supplies stored in your vehicle. Whether a storm is approaching and you can’t find your primary keys or you want to go straight to where you know your spare key is stored, just having the option means that you are ready to respond swiftly to unforeseen emergencies.

These are just a few reasons you might need a spare key for your car. However, instead of heading to the dealership or closest kiosk to get one made, we recommend going with a professional partner you can trust, like A-1 Locksmith. Contact us today or visit one of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations to get your spare key made, view options or ask any questions you may have.

Automotive security technology has advanced tremendously in recent years. With this comes a rise in costs for manufacturing. Let’s take a look at why it’s so expensive to replace your car keys these days.

Types of Car Keys

First, it should be noted that not all car keys are expensive to replace. You can get a basic key duplicated or replaced for as low as $50 many places. The cost really depends on the type of car key, and the brand. The more advanced the key (or car company), the higher the cost. Here is a basic overview of the different types of car keys you’ll find today, in order of how expensive they tend to be (including rough cost estimates):

• Mechanical keys: basic keys used in older car models, or to access the door or trunk only. These are the cheapest to duplicate, and replace.
• Programmable remotes: not really keys; they’re buttons that you use to lock your car, unlock your car, sound the alarm and/or open the trunk. These are typically comparable to the price of mechanical keys.
• Transponder keys: the most common car keys you’ll see out there, these keys have electronic components in the head that communicate with the car to confirm that the key is valid. Due to added complexity, these are a tier up in cost from mechanical keys.
• Laser-cut transponder keys: transponder keys with a bit of extra security. Extra security equals extra complexity so these are the next tier up in terms of cost.
• Remote/key combos: aka switchblade key; a combination remote, and key. Given the dual functions of these devices the cost rises a tier for duplication or replacement.
• Proximity FOBs: remote-like devices that can start the car or unlock the doors when you’re near the vehicle. While all these options can range greatly in price for different makes, and models proximity FOBs have the greatest variance across vehicles. Your best option here is to get a quote for your vehicle specifically.

Factors in Car Key Cost

As you can see above, the cost for auto keys goes up with its technology. Basic keys, and fobs don’t feature advanced mechanics, and can be duplicated with relatively simple machines or tools. Modern keys feature advanced transmitters, codes, and programming, which leads to a higher cost because they take more time to duplicate, and the actual hardware is more expensive. Finally, if you’re dealing with a luxury car brand, expect higher costs as a result.

Best Way to Replace Car Keys

A bigger cost than all these options is if you lose all copies of your car keys. In that case, you might need to replace the locks, which can easily run you $1,000 or more. Your best bet is to ensure you have multiple copies of your keys, and backups of them as well. You also should consider using a professional auto locksmith instead of going to a dealership, as you’ll be able to get an affordable product that’s still high-quality. (Just think twice before going to KeyMe or a similar key-cutting, solution, which you can’t do anyway if you’re dealing with an advanced key.)

If you’re in need of new car keys, we’ll work with you to provide a solution that’s both useful, and affordable. Contact us today for a consultation.

Car Key replacement

If you are in the search of a car key replacement, then we are here for you. You can very well leave your trouble to us, and have the service done fast. We provide with brilliantly prompt and professional car key replacement service.

These days the car dealerships have made the process of car key replacement difficult. This is because there is a chip inside the keys. It is done to provide you with security thus making car key replacement a little difficult process. There is a separate programming in the key supported with an access code, which is unique for each car. In order to do the car key replacement efficiently, you need to go to a trusted place. Car key replacement needs to be done by someone reliable because it as good as giving access to your car key.

In case you have lost the key or it is broken, then you can do nothing by your own. You will need expert help in case of car key replacement. In the recent past, it has become even more essential when you think about replacing car keys due to the electronic component.

When you are looking for a local locksmith for the car key replacement, choose A-1 Locksmith DFW.  We provide you with qualified locksmiths to help you with car key replacement.  We are well-trained to handle cases of breakage of the keys, lost keys, and also ignition issues, and hence car key replacement. We are all given training from time to time to learn the technical skills of car key replacement.

You can trust us for the quality service we provide. You can also trust us with the trained locksmiths that we send to your help for car key replacement. Car key replacement is not only important but the process of getting car key replacement should be handled with equal care.

When looking for a locksmith firm that can handle your case, you need to pay attention to the reputation of such a company. You need a locksmith firm that is well certified to offer quality locksmith services.  This is the only way you’ll be sure of getting the right car key replacement.

We offer the best of Car Key Replacement services you can ever imagine.  We make use of latest cutting edge technology in producing exact copies of original car keys.  We duplicate all kinds of car keys for diverse car brands, and models. You can get quality car key replacement for vehicle brands such as Nissan, Toyota, Volvo, Peugeot, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Jeep, and so on.   We’ve got a catalogue of car key brands for various car models.

Whether you have a spare car key or not, we offer the best of Car Key Replacement services that can suit your vehicle.   If your car key gets stolen at anytime, you can always call us.  Or, if your key gets stolen, you can also call us for quick service.  We offer quality replacement car keys of whatever car brand. We also cut duplicate car keys for your safety.  You simply contact us for more details.

Our Car Key Replacement services are also available in emergency situations.  If you lockout yourself in a car while on the road, you can call on us for speedy assistance. If you’re car key gets broken or damaged, we replace it and save you time.

Our car locksmith services are available 24/7. We have a team of well-trained technicians who are always on ground to offer you the best of services.  You can always call on us at any point in time. We’re always ready to assist you.

Our Car Key Replacement services are quite affordable. We don’t focus on the little cash you’re expected to pay; rather we focus on offering quality services. Your safety is our desire at any point in time.  Just place your call today to see how A-1 Locksmith DFW can help.