How to Lower Your Mercedes Spare Key Cost If you have an Mercedes or a BMW, you're likely familiar with the hefty cost of replacing keys that are not in use. Read the Full Guide , there are some ways to save money on replacements. The first option is to get an entirely new key manufactured by the dealership. This will take a while and could cost you. The Dealership The dealership is where Mercedes-Benz customers are able to purchase new automobiles. They can purchase accessories and parts for their cars or sell their cars at the lowest price. They must have a large showroom in order to sell the cars, and they need to provide services like financing and warranties. Dealers give cash rebates to customers, and special discounts for military personnel and senior citizens and also sell automobiles. They also have to promote in their area to draw in customers. Dealers also need to pay salespeople and other employees to help achieve sales. They typically hire people with previous experience in the automotive industry. They will assist the salespeople in finding deals on cars and getting them off the showroom faster. This helps keep the dealership profitable. The price of the vehicle is a separate cost for a dealer. This is dependent on the invoice from the manufacturer price for the vehicle, plus any additional options and destination holdback charges. This is not the real cost of the vehicle , and could be substantially greater than the amount that customers pay. To keep their costs low, Mercedes-Benz dealerships often offer leases and service contracts. They're usually less expensive than regular maintenance costs, but they're not free. Some dealerships also offer prizes for the door and other perks to attract customers. These are designed to entice them to come back to the store and purchase the same vehicle. Programming an alternative key is an expense that they need to charge. The dealership must have a way to program the key for your car so that you can open it with the key fob. The Mercedes-Benz brand used to have keys made of steel, but they now use more modern devices that require keys that are replaced to be programmed to function. These keys, also known as smart keys or transponder keys are equipped with RFID chips that allow them to open doors and begin the engine. These keys are more costly than traditional keys but have many benefits. They can unlock and open doors and even start engines from the distance of just several yards. The Locksmith If you've ever lost a key to your Mercedes then you're aware that it's an expensive experience. On average, it can cost more than $350 to obtain a spare key through the dealership. In certain instances, it could even reach $700! There are other options to save you some money and stress. One option is to call an expert locksmith and ask them to make a new key for you. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, and it gives you a lot of ease. The first thing to do is ensure that the locksmith you select is proficient with Mercedes keys. This is crucial since if the locksmith doesn't know how to program a key correctly it could result in a broken key. A locksmith who can cut and program your new Mercedes key is another factor you should seek out. This is a lengthy procedure that requires a technical understanding and should only be done by a person with extensive experience in this area. A locksmith who can create and code your Mercedes key can also be very affordable. The only drawback is that it might take a while to get the key programmed and that is why you should contact a locksmith for assistance whenever you can. Once you've found a locksmith who can program your key, it is time to ask them to create a new one. This will save your time and money since you don't need to wait at the dealership for a replacement Mercedes key. A key fob from an aftermarket store is an alternative to having your key manufactured at the dealership. They are available for all Mercedes models and can be purchased on Amazon. These keys are generally less expensive than OEM keys, but can be damaged. It is also important to know that if you have transponder-equipped keys or a remote or intelligent key/fob, you will need to be able to code it before you can use it. This will make it more secure and will stop anyone from simply pulling the key out of the ignition of your car to start your vehicle. Amazon Amazon has a number of different value propositions, but it is perhaps most well-known for its E-commerce business. It sells everything from DVDs, books and music CDs to consumer electronics, baby goods gourmet food, groceries, and sporting equipment, as well in clothing. It has also introduced a variety of high-tech devices like the Kindle Fire, Amazon Echo and Alexa. To win customers to keep them, the company employs a variety of strategies, including low prices and free shipping. The company's Fulfillment by Amazon, its own patented system, allows it to deliver more that 90 percent of online orders within two hours and offers free shipping on more then a million items. Amazon is among the many companies that provide this service. It employs a clever algorithm to track the preferences and shopping habits of its customers. This is used to create an experience that is unique for each customer based on their previous purchases and searches on Amazon. In a world where big tech is having a more difficult time being regulated, Amazon has mastered the art of self-regulation, deploying several clever strategies to avoid unwanted regulation and regulatory scrutiny. These include providing clear and concise information to customers, accurate product specifications, shipping guidelines and using sophisticated algorithms and data analytics to make smarter decisions about which products should be sold for what prices, how much inventory should stay in warehouses, the location it should be sent and how much it should cost. The most impressive thing is that it can do all without sweating thanks to the company's nimble and innovative approach. Car Insurance When it comes to car insurance, there are several variables that affect the cost. The amount you pay could depend on the type of policy you choose, the coverage you have, and your driving record. You can also cut the cost by setting a higher threshold, but you'll need to pay more out-of-pocket should you need to file an insurance claim. The first step in obtaining a quote is to provide as much information regarding your vehicle and your drivers as you can. By providing this information, the company provide more precise estimates, and could also qualify you for discounts. It is also important to include any tickets or incidents you have incurred within the last three to 10 years. Your driving record is not typically checked by insurance companies until you buy a policy. This is why it is crucial to provide any previous history that could impact your rates. Once you've entered your information and you've compared the quotes of different companies to determine which is most suitable for your requirements. This can be done in the person at a dealer or online through an insurance comparison website. Another factor that could have an affect on the quote is the year, make and model of your vehicle. Since certain cars are more likely to fail or have more costly parts that require replacement in an accident, they can be more costly to cover. Finally, the place in which you live has an effect on the cost of your insurance. Insurance companies take into consideration the population density and crime rate in your community to calculate your risk. When you are comparing quotes, be sure to choose an established company with great reviews from its customers and provides an array of options for coverage. This can include comprehensive, liability, collision and uninsured motorist coverage. You can also choose optional options such as medical payment or personal injury protection.
Read the Full Guide