Should You Use a Locksmith or Dealership for Car Key Replacement?
If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your car keys or locking yourself out of your car, you’ll likely need a new key made. While some people are lucky enough to have an extra key lying around, many others require the assistance of professionals. Many people benefit from keyless ignitions, as, according to the New York Times, they are now standard in more than 50% of the 17 million cars sold each year. But who is the best option to call when you need a new key made — a car dealership or a car locksmith? While there are benefits to both, here are some things to keep in mind when making the choice.
Ask About the Cost of Car Key Replacement
Never forget to request a quote when inquiring about car key replacement. You don’t want to have called in a professional only to find out afterward that it’ll cost you an arm and a leg. Pricing will depend on the specific dealership or locksmith that you call, though prices are generally lower with a locksmith. This could be because a dealership specializes in a specific brand of car, but that doesn’t mean a cheap locksmith wouldn’t have the same tools required. Dealerships also generally have a larger staff to compensate, meaning their prices can trend on the higher side. This may not necessarily be the case with your specific local dealership, so call to get an estimate to be on the safe side.
Consider Specialization and Experience
Specialization is another key factor when deciding between a local locksmith and a dealership. Dealerships have a lot on their plate, and their knowledge about your lockout may be limited. They’ll be able to unlock your door and provide you with a new key in time, but a professional locksmith has seen it all and should be able to get the job done quickly and at a reasonable cost. The specialization that locksmiths have also means that they come to you! You don’t need to find a way to transport your vehicle to another location — you just need to wait with your car!
Prioritize Time Spent
As previously mentioned, the specific experience that professional locksmiths have ensures that they can get the job done quickly. Many dealerships will have a line of cars that they already need to tend to, and those cars may have problems that take a while to fix. However, calling a dealership to ask about their current workload will give you a better insight. A car key replacement should be simple and quick. Time spent traveling to a dealership may also be time wasted. It’s also important to consider the time that your lockout occurs. If you are in need of a new car key in the middle of the night, a 24/7 locksmith will be the one to call.
When you need car key replacement, call on the experts at The Local Locksmith Company. We have the tools and know-how to get the job done quickly and well.
