Having your key locked inside the car or losing it is not a fun experience. When you realize that you have been locked out of your car, you know you need to find ways to get back in and hit the road. Some people have a duplicate key. If you are lucky enough, you can get a family member or friend to fetch that extra key for you. But, if you aren’t that lucky, you will need the services of a professional to gain access to your vehicle.
There are two choices here – either call a locksmith or call a dealership. The service results from both options are similar. But if you compare the two, the experiences aren’t quite the same. If you visit a dealership, you will have to go through many unnecessary hassles. Therefore, hiring an automotive locksmith near me is always a preferable option.
1. Replacement cost
When you choose a locksmith instead of a dealership for getting a replacement car key, you can save a bit of cash. The chances that a dealership will ask for more money for a replacement key are high. Dealerships have more overhead for services than businesses offering specialized services. This is why many people prefer to work with an offsite mechanic for servicing their vehicles and don’t bring them back to a dealership. The case is the same for problems with keys and locks. A locksmith company will take just as long as a dealership to replace even a more complicated transponder key. And the cost for the service is again lesser.
2. Locked out
If you have locked yourself out, you can get a replacement key from your dealership. However, they do not have any means of opening the car door without a key. A professional locksmith has the necessary tools and the skills to gain access to your car without any replacement key. During emergencies, getting in touch with an emergency locksmith near me is the best idea to get you out of the problem at the earliest. Dealerships aren’t capable enough of tackling the problem on time. The only real option for the quickest solution is a locksmith.
3. Convenience
Specialization is a major difference between a dealership and a locksmith. Dealerships are multi-purpose businesses. Their technicians and executives can unlock your door, but it is not their primary service. Locksmiths specialize in all things car-key and car-security-related. Their business model relies on making things easy and convenient for customers. With a locksmith, you don’t have to make several calls, schedule an appointment, or sit for long in the waiting area. Besides, you don’t have to book a ride to reach the local dealership for a spare key. You can remain around your vehicle and let assistance arrive at your location.
Takeaway
It is your choice whether you want to hire a locksmith or visit the dealership for a replacement key. Some people find the dealership more trustworthy than a locksmith, while others will go to a locksmith for efficient and timely services.
