Car keys are expensive to replace, especially if you work with a dealership. The obvious choice for many car owners is always the dealership, as they prefer to have their cars serviced by the sellers. The dealership also has the specific parts needed for your vehicle.
However, dealerships also have higher overhead costs, which are arguably their biggest expense. They have to account for sales commissions, large showrooms, and mechanic shops; thus, some of their services might be overpriced.
This is one of the major reasons why it's so expensive to replace your lost auto keys. The cost will also increase depending on the complexity of the key and the model of your car. There is very little you can do to change these variables.
If you want to lower your lost auto key replacement costs, consider alternatives such as auto locksmiths. Here are the benefits of locksmith services over a dealership:
Availability
Your local dealership is open for a few hours a day. If you lose your auto keys after closing hours and you need a car in the morning, what do you do? You can wait or use other alternatives, but it inconveniences you.
The better option would be auto locksmith services, as they have flexible schedules. If you need a car key replacement, contact them, and they'll come to your location. It doesn't matter whether it's at night or during the day; if it's a lockout emergency, they'll come.
Specialization
Auto locksmiths are experts at lockout services and lost auto key replacements. They have the tools and expertise to replace your keys in a few hours. This reduces your downtime, as you'll leave with your car.
On the other hand, car dealerships primarily focus on car sales. The dealership may outsource the service if they don't have the tools or expertise to handle the replacement. This will increase your replacement cost significantly. Although this isn't always the case, auto locksmiths are generally cheaper and can get the job done in less time.
Convenience
If you lock yourself out of your vehicle, do you call your dealership or local auto locksmith? The former will take time, and they'll likely tow your vehicle to their mechanic shop to work on it. Eventually, they'll unlock your car, but it will cost you more because of the towing.
If you contact locksmiths, they'll have the tools to open your car without needing a replacement key. You can access your car as they fabricate your replacement key.
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