Most people do not think about calling a locksmith to make a new set of car keys until they actually need a replacement set. For example, you will most likely call a locksmith when your keys are locked in your vehicle or if you have lost one of your sets of keys. However, many owners have just one key to their car or, sometimes, two. There are several reasons why you should consider having a locksmith make you an extra car key before you are in an emergency situation and need a new one. Below are just some of the benefits of having a spare car key made. 

You Will Have a Key In Case You Lock Yourself Out of Your Car or Lose Your Primary Key

Perhaps the most obvious reason for having a key made before an emergency is that you will have a spare set when you need it. For example, if you lose your keys or lock yourself out of your car, you will be able to deal with the situation on your own by getting your spare key, either from where it is hidden on your car, from a trusted friend, or at your home. This can save you money and time when you lose your keys, which can be important since most people notice they have lost their keys when they are about to leave for somewhere they need to be. 

The time you can save having a spare key ready to go can be important if it is nighttime or you are in a bad neighborhood when you lose your keys. You will likely want to fix the situation and be on your way as soon as possible. For this reason, you might consider keeping a spare key attached to the outside of your car somewhere, so you can quickly access your vehicle and leave the area. If you have to call a tow truck or a locksmith, you will have to wait for help to arrive and then also, potentially, wait on-site for your key to be made and programmed.  

You Can Make a Door Key and an Ignition Key

Modern keys have an electronic chip in them that allows the key to start the ignition. In most vehicles, the key will open the door without the chip, but it will only start the car if the chip is properly programmed. If you are making a spare key, you can make one without an ignition chip and one with an ignition chip. By hiding the door key somewhere on the outside of your vehicle and the ignition key somewhere inside of your vehicle, you decrease the chance of vehicle theft if someone finds your spare key. However, if you are having a key made in an emergency situation, you will likely only have an ignition key made. 

Each Driver Can Have Their Own Key 

If you have multiple drivers sharing a single vehicle, it can get frustrating when someone misplaces the only key to the vehicle. Making at least one key for every driver ahead of time ensures that each driver will be able to use the vehicle when they need to without hunting around the house for the key. 

You Can Shop Around for the Best Price

Locksmiths and dealerships often charge different prices for car keys to be made. Since chipped keys can be an expensive investment, it is a good idea to shop around and get the best deal when you are having yours made. If you make one ahead of time, you will be able to do responsible comparison shopping. 

It is a good idea to have at least one spare set of car keys available ahead of time, so call a locksmith or your dealership soon.