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The Math: Why a Spare Key Is the Cheapest Insurance You'll Buy

Spending $50–$200 on a spare key today saves $300+ on the night you actually need it. Here's the cost breakdown.

February 2, 20264 min read

A spare key, made calmly

If you have a working key, getting a spare cut and programmed costs $49.99 for basic duplication and $150–$250 for most transponder/smart-key duplicates. It happens at your driveway, on your schedule, in 30 minutes.

Versus an emergency at 11 p.m.

Lose your only key on a Saturday night? You're looking at after-hours lockout fees, an "all keys lost" origination ($99+ at Keys R Us LLC, plus dealer key-code costs on some vehicles), and possibly a tow if you're stuck somewhere remote. Total often clears $300–$600.

The math

A spare key today is roughly 1/3 the price of replacing all your keys later — and zero stress. We've never had a customer regret getting a spare cut. We have had plenty of customers wish they had.

The takeaway

If your vehicle has only one working key, schedule a spare. It's the cheapest preventive automotive locksmith service you can buy.

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Keys R Us LLC key cutting and programming inside the mobile service van
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Keys R Us LLCMobile Automotive Locksmith. After-hours service available across Mountain Home and surrounding cities.

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