Should You Get a Spare Smart Key for Your Car?

February 25, 2025 at 09:53 AM EST

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Originally Posted On: https://championlock.com/should-you-get-a-spare-smart-key-for-your-car/

Should You Get a Spare Smart Key for Your Car?

Overview

Do you need to get a spare smart key made? The automotive locksmiths at Champion Lock & Safe Company have put together this guide to explain how easy it is to get a duplicate key (while you still have the original), why you should replace it before you need one, what the Fob programming process looks like, and how long it takes to have a duplicate transponder key programmed. We’ll also cover the advantages of choosing a local locksmith over getting a new key from your dealership or attempting to do it yourself.

Highlights

Introduction

You don’t want to be late or miss important moments in your life. You also know that unexpected situations can happen at any time. That’s why it makes sense to get a reliable backup made before an emergency leaves you with no access to your car. Knowing you have a backup plan if you ever lose or damage your key is always a relief. Naturally, you’ll want the most cost-effective way to create a duplicate key that functions just as well as (or better than) the one that came with your car.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand the key duplication process, the best backup options, and the essential information you need to get it done quickly and affordably.

Why You Need Spare Car Keys

You should get a spare car key because having an original smart key makes duplication a quick and hassle-free process compared to the frustration and complexity of replacing a lost key. When you have the original, a locksmith or dealership can copy and program a compatible spare key in as little as a matter of minutes. However, the process becomes far more complicated if you’ve misplaced or broken your only smart key.

Without an original to reference, locksmiths will have to retrieve your vehicle’s key code, reprogram the entire system, and sometimes replace your ignition module or key Fob receiver—all of which add time and cost. In some cases, dealerships may require proof of ownership and a waiting period before issuing your replacement.

The difference that having a spare makes is night and day. It saves you time, money, and the stress of being stranded without access to your vehicle.

How Many Spare Keys Should You Have?

Too few keys put you at risk of losing access to your vehicle, and too many keys make your vehicle vulnerable to security risks.

The ideal number of spare smart keys depends on your lifestyle and who needs access to your vehicle:

Minimum: You should have at least one spare key (stored in a secure place) in case of emergencies.
Multiple users: If multiple family members or employees use your vehicle, having an extra key helps facilitate smooth access without constant key handoffs.
Security tip: Avoid making unnecessary duplicates. Too many copies increase the risk of theft or unauthorized access.

A good rule of thumb is to have one key for daily use, two in the case of multiple users, and one spare for emergencies.

Can You Duplicate a Smart Key Fob?

It’s possible, but duplicating a smart key Fob isn’t as simple as cutting a traditional metal key. Unlike standard keys, smart keys contain an electronic chip that needs proper programming to communicate with your vehicle’s ignition system.

With your working key in hand, you have three options for duplication:

Get a new key from your dealership
Hire a local locksmith to duplicate your Fob
Order a spare online and program it yourself

A Closer Look at Your Options for Making Backup Keys

A backup smart key is only useful when it’s correctly programmed to work with your vehicle. Without the right programming, it won’t function, leaving you with an expensive but useless Fob.

While ordering a key Fob online and attempting to program it yourself might seem like the cheapest solution, many vehicle key systems have specific compatibility requirements. If your replacement key isn’t an exact match or programming fails, you could be stranded without a working key.

Now, let’s break down your options:

Backup Keys From Your Dealership

Dealerships usually guarantee compatibility, but this often comes with a premium price tag and, in some cases, a longer wait. When cost isn’t a concern, you have time to spare, and you prefer a manufacturer-backed solution, this may be the option for you.

Smart Key Programming From a Local Automotive Locksmith

A local automotive locksmith offers a more affordable solution with fast, same-day service. Many mobile locksmiths also provide on-site key programming that can save you a lot of time and hassle. Keep in mind that not all locksmiths have access to the technology or specs to reproduce smart keys for every vehicle make and model. It’s best to ask about compatibility before you schedule service.

Buying a Key Fob Online and Programming It Yourself

Purchasing a key Fob online might seem like the cheapest route, but programming it yourself can be tricky. Some vehicles require specialized equipment, and compatibility issues can turn a simple task into a frustrating ordeal. If you’re not tech-savvy or don’t want to risk buying the wrong key, professional programming is the safer choice.

The Key Fob Programming Process Explained

When you already have a working transponder key and need a spare, the programming process is usually straightforward, whether you go through a dealership or a professional locksmith. Both use advanced tools to ensure the new key functions correctly with your vehicle.

Here’s how programming works:

Vehicle identification and compatibility check: Your dealership or locksmith verifies your vehicle’s make, model, and year to ensure your new key Fob is compatible.
Key Fob synchronization: Specialized programming equipment syncs your new key Fob to your vehicle’s system.
Transponder chip programming: Your key’s transponder chip receives programming to communicate with your car’s immobilizer system to allow engine startup.
Testing and verification: Your locksmith or dealership tests your new key to confirm it unlocks your car doors, activates remote features, and starts the engine.

How Long Does It Take To Program a Spare Key Fob?

Programming a spare key while you still have a working one significantly reduces your wait time.

If you have the original key: Programming a duplicate can take as little as 15 to 30 minutes.
If you’ve misplaced your only key: The process can take several hours or even days, depending on whether a locksmith or dealership needs to retrieve key codes and reprogram the system.

Having a backup key in advance means less hassle, lower costs, and no unexpected downtime if you can’t find your primary key.

Advantages of Hiring a Locksmith To Make Your Backup Keys

Cost savings, convenience, and reliability are the biggest advantages of hiring a locksmith over contacting your dealership and trying to get them to squeeze you in as soon as possible for an appointment. Locksmiths charge less than dealerships for the same key programming services, making it budget-friendly without sacrificing ease of use or key longevity.

Many locksmiths also offer mobile services, meaning they come to you instead of requiring a trip to your dealership. Whether you’re at home, work, or stuck in a parking lot, your mobile locksmith will provide on-the-spot key duplication that’ll get you out of a pickle in no time. Key replacement specialists also offer same-day and 24/7 emergency services, allowing you to get a working backup key quickly rather than waiting days or weeks for a dealership appointment or special order.

With affordability, speed, and accessibility on their side, locksmiths provide a stress-free alternative to buying a backup key online or from a dealership.

What Happens When You Don’t Have a Fob To Make a Spare From?

When your only key is gone, replacing it becomes much more complex and expensive because you’ll need to verify your identification and ownership, which can add days or more to the time you’re unable to use your car.

Here’s what you’ll need when you don’t have a Fob to program a spare from:

Proof of ownership, such as registration, title, insurance, and/or government ID
Vehicle identification information, including VIN, make, model, and year
Key code retrieval from the manufacturer’s database
Complete system reprogramming

You can avoid having to track down all these documents at the last minute by bringing your key in to make a copy of your Fob while you still have an intact original.

Call a Licensed Locksmith for Timely and Affordable Chip Key Solutions

Waiting until you lose your last smart key can be stressful and costly. Having a spare key ready ensures you’re never late, locked out, or stranded because of key issues. Whether you go through a dealership or a local locksmith, acting now will save you time, money, and frustration.

Do you need spare smart keys made? Call Champion Lock & Safe Company at (210) 590-6033 for fast, budget-friendly transponder key duplication solutions.

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Should You Get a Spare Smart Key for Your Car?

Photo from Unsplash

Should You Get a Spare Smart Key for Your Car?

Overview

Highlights

Introduction

Why You Need Spare Car Keys

How Many Spare Keys Should You Have?

Can You Duplicate a Smart Key Fob?

A Closer Look at Your Options for Making Backup Keys

Backup Keys From Your Dealership

Smart Key Programming From a Local Automotive Locksmith

Buying a Key Fob Online and Programming It Yourself

The Key Fob Programming Process Explained

How Long Does It Take To Program a Spare Key Fob?

Advantages of Hiring a Locksmith To Make Your Backup Keys

What Happens When You Don’t Have a Fob To Make a Spare From?

Call a Licensed Locksmith for Timely and Affordable Chip Key Solutions

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