Getting a replacement car key can be surprisingly expensive. Like many, I found myself needing a new key and headed to a local Ace Hardware, expecting a quick and affordable solution. However, the quote for $180 to cut a standard key, with limitations on valet keys and vehicle checks due to Covid, was a shock. Searching for alternatives, I discovered a local service on Facebook Marketplace offering key fobs for significantly less.
For a final price of just $45, a technician came directly to me, equipped with a tablet to handle everything on the spot. He expertly cut and programmed a new key fob, ensuring both the new one and my existing fob worked perfectly. As a bonus, he even cut a valet key at no extra charge, overcoming an initial minor blank issue with impressive resourcefulness. The service was not only significantly cheaper than Ace Hardware but also offered far superior customer service, earning a well-deserved $20 tip.
It turns out, mobile key fob services like this are becoming increasingly popular. Often advertised with images of technicians holding keys in front of cars, these services offer a convenient and budget-friendly way to replace or duplicate your car keys. While the key fob itself might feel slightly less premium than a dealership version, the functionality is identical. Now armed with a programmed key, you have options. You could purchase additional key fobs online from retailers like Amazon or eBay, and either call the same mobile technician for cutting and programming or even get them cut at a place like Ace Hardware and program them yourself if you have the knowledge and equipment, particularly if you already have two working keys. Having used my $45 key for five months without any problems, I can confidently recommend exploring these alternative services. You can obtain a perfectly functional Fcc Id Key Fob without breaking the bank.
