Why Every Driver Should Have A Spare Car Key
Every driver should have a spare car key because it turns a bad day into a small errand. A spare costs $125 to $400 depending on the key type, while replacing your only key after losing it is an all-keys-lost job at $225 to $695. The price gap is smaller than people expect, but the hassle gap is large.
Nobody plans to lose their only key. The case for a spare is not mainly the money, it is what happens on the day you need it. This post covers what a spare costs, what it saves and when you can skip one. For the service page, see spare car key in Kenner.
Why is a spare car key worth having?
- You are never stranded. A spare with someone you trust removes the wait entirely.
- Adding a spare is simpler than replacing a lost key. A working key makes ownership easy to confirm, while all keys lost needs more verification.
- No time pressure. You book it when it suits you, not after a lockout.
- Several drivers, several keys. No one has to share the only one.
- It covers travel. If you leave a car at the airport, a spare at home is a lifeline. See locked out at MSY airport.
What does a spare cost against a replacement?
| Situation | Published price |
|---|---|
| Basic mechanical key cut (older cars, no chip) | $5–$15 |
| Spare transponder key, cut and programmed | $125–$250 |
| Spare flip fob | $150–$300 |
| Spare smart key / push-to-start | $200–$400 |
| Only key lost: all keys lost | $225–$695 |
| Dealership, all keys lost | $300–$600 + tow |
The prices page notes the vehicle year can add $75 to $250 for newer cars. Spare key fobs get their own breakdown in adding a spare key fob.
When can you skip a spare?
- You already have two working keys.
- Your car uses a basic key with no chip, in which case a copy is a $5 to $15 job any time.
- You rarely drive and always have someone with a key nearby.
Where should the spare live?
Not in the car and not under it. A spare locked inside the car is useless in a lockout, as keys locked in the trunk and car lockout explain. Give it to a trusted person or keep it at home.
What if the only key is already gone?
Then it is an all-keys-lost job. See all keys lost, what happens next, and if you need a replacement fob specifically, what is included in a key fob replacement. For the wider service, see car key replacement in Kenner.
Quick answers
How much does a spare car key cost in Kenner?
From $5 to $15 for a basic key without a chip, up to $400 for a smart key. Transponder keys are $125 to $250.
Is a spare cheaper than replacing a lost key?
Usually, and always simpler. All keys lost runs $225 to $695, against $125 to $400 for a spare.
Do I need my existing key to make a spare?
Not required, but it makes the job simpler and cheaper than an all-keys-lost situation.
How many spare keys should I have?
One kept safely away from the car is enough for most drivers. Add more only if several people drive it.