Dealership vs. Locksmith for Car Keys: Which Should You Choose?

Getting a new car key, programming a new fob, or solving a lockout can be done by the car dealership or a locksmith. In fact, both of these services will solve your problem successfully, although they differ from each other in some aspects. Below you will find the information that should assist you to pick the right choice.

Difference between these services

The basic distinction is that a locksmith provides services on-site, while you need to bring your car to the dealership. In some cases, it means that the car needs to be towed. That's why the question of the vehicle being towed is usually the reason that influences people's choice.

Convenience

Here the mobile locksmith wins again. When you are stuck in a parking lot and need someone to provide a car key programming service, calling a locksmith is much more convenient. There will be no need to arrange the towing or go to the dealer's office. At a dealer, the whole procedure may take a lot of time due to the appointment scheduling.

Cost

If you talk about the cost, both services can differ greatly depending on the make of the car, as well as the type of keys (mechanical keys, transponder keys, smart proximity key). Prices depend on the programming of keys too. However, there can be extra costs in case of a dealership service, because you will need to pay for towing and other aspects of such work. Anyway, it is better to ask for quotes from dealerships and locksmiths and compare prices.

Vehicle coverage

While car dealerships have a focus on a particular brand and therefore have equipment suitable for the service of a specific brand, mobile locksmiths provide the services to all the kinds of vehicles. For all the ordinary cars, a locksmith can easily deal with them. There may be cases when car dealerships seem to be more reasonable in dealing with some rare and advanced models.

Time frames

Speaking about the speed, a locksmith service seems to be much faster since there is no need for an appointment and towing of the car. It is possible to receive the needed services the same day.

When a dealership is reasonable

There are cases when you should consider the option of using the services of dealerships:

• When your car is new and uses the technology that is not supported by locksmiths.
• It is necessary to use the services of dealerships in case your problem is related to some guarantee service.
• You are already staying in the car dealers' office.

When a locksmith is reasonable

There are some situations when locksmiths' services seem to be better to use:

• You are locked in the car and need someone to come to you.
• You need to receive spare keys and do not want to visit a dealer.
• You prefer to avoid the towing of your car, which is impossible in case you have no working key.
• You are ready to pay competitive rates.
• You need to unlock, start the car or re-key your vehicle.

Some questions to clarify your choice

There are some questions that you may ask to choose between locksmith services and a dealership.

• Ask whether it is possible to use your car.
• Ask for quotes before the process starts.
• When choosing a locksmith, make sure that he or she will visit you at the address you need.
• Make sure that a locksmith will make you authorized to access the vehicle.
• Ask dealerships about their availability and whether it is necessary to use a towing service.

Mobile locksmith makes more sense for most key problems

It turns out that for most of car problems, such as car key loss, need for spare keys, unlocking car, programming of a car fob, ignition troubles, and others, it is better to contact a mobile locksmith to receive convenient services on-site and competitive prices. You may still use the services of dealerships in special cases. In both cases, ask for quotes.

Let us consider two people that lose their transponder key for a mid-size sedan. One of them contacts a dealership. There he finds out that his car needs to be brought to the office, booked an appointment after a couple of days. Moreover, as he has no key to open the door, he needs to book a towing service for his car. He also has to make time to leave his workplace and then go to another place to pick up the car. On the contrary, another driver calls a locksmith that provides the services the same day at the parking lot. After some minutes he receives a new transponder key for his car. This person saves money, time, effort, and nerves.

Programming of car keys and security

Many people are worried that the services of mobile locksmiths cannot provide proper programming of keys as compared to car dealerships. It is true that it depends on the make and the type of the key. In the majority of cases, however, a properly equipped locksmith can deal with such tasks. The immobilizer will continue working normally after receiving new keys. What is more important, you will receive the services that do not compromise the security of your car.