When buying a car, one of the most overlooked details is whether the vehicle comes with a spare key. Many buyers often assume that a second key is automatically included, but this is not always the case. So, Can a Dealership Sell a Car Without a Spare Key? The answer is yes, a dealership can legally sell a car without providing a spare key, but the implications for buyers vary depending on the type of sale, the car’s age, and the policies of the dealership. Understanding this situation is essential because having only one key can lead to inconvenience, unexpected costs, and security concerns for the new owner.
Can a Dealership Sell a Car Without a Spare Key?
Yes, a dealership can sell a car without a spare key, but there are important details to keep in mind. New car dealerships usually provide two keys with the purchase because it is part of the manufacturer’s standard package. However, used car dealerships are not legally required to provide a spare key unless stated in the sales contract. In many cases, when a car is traded in or purchased at auction, the dealer may only receive one working key and pass that along to the buyer. This means that while it is not illegal for a dealership to sell a vehicle without a spare key, it can become a concern for the buyer who may later need to invest in a costly replacement.
Why Do Dealerships Sometimes Sell Cars Without a Spare Key?
There are several reasons why a dealership may sell a car without providing a spare key:
- Trade-ins and auctions: The original owner may have lost or misplaced the spare key before trading the car in. Dealerships often do not invest in creating a duplicate key before selling the vehicle.
- Cost-saving measures: Reprogramming and cutting modern keys can be expensive. Some dealerships choose not to provide a spare to avoid extra expenses.
- Vehicle age: Older used cars may have had multiple owners, and spare keys are often lost over time.
- Lack of legal obligation: No law forces dealerships to provide a spare key unless it is part of the manufacturer’s or dealer’s warranty promise.
Risks of Buying a Car Without a Spare Key
Purchasing a car that only comes with one key may not seem like a big issue at first, but it does pose risks. You may face higher replacement costs because replacing modern electronic or smart keys can cost hundreds of pounds or dollars. It also creates inconvenience if the only available key is lost, leaving you unable to drive the car until a new one is programmed. Having just one key can reduce the resale value of your car later on, as buyers generally expect two keys. Another risk is the potential of lockouts if the only key is accidentally left inside the car, which can leave you stranded.
Can a Dealership Sell a Car Without a Spare Key for New Vehicles?
In the case of new cars, most manufacturers supply two keys as standard. If a new car is missing its spare key, it may indicate an issue such as the key being misplaced during shipping, lost by the dealership, or not provided by the manufacturer. In these situations, you should always request the dealership to provide the second key or order a replacement from the manufacturer. A new car should not normally be sold with only one key, and most buyers can negotiate to receive the spare key at no additional cost.
Can a Dealership Sell a Car Without a Spare Key for Used Vehicles?
When it comes to used cars, dealerships are not obligated to provide a spare key. The spare may have been lost by a previous owner or never passed on to the dealer. In such cases, dealerships often disclose that the car comes with only one key, but not all do so transparently. As a buyer, it is important to confirm how many keys come with the vehicle before signing the contract. If only one key is included, you may use this fact as a negotiation point to reduce the price of the car or request the dealer to provide a spare at no extra charge.
What Buyers Should Do If There’s No Spare Key
If you are buying a car from a dealership and discover that it comes with only one key, here are some steps you should take:
- Ask directly about the spare key before finalizing the purchase.
- Negotiate with the dealer to include a spare key or reduce the selling price to cover the cost of getting one yourself.
- Check the car manual or manufacturer details to confirm whether two keys were originally supplied with the model.
- Budget for a replacement key if the dealership cannot provide one.
Costs of Getting a Replacement Key
The cost of getting a replacement key varies depending on the type of key and the car brand. Traditional metal keys are the cheapest, costing around £10–£50. Transponder keys, which require programming, may cost between £75–£200. Remote key fobs, commonly used today, can cost £150–£300 or more. Smart keys and keyless entry systems are the most expensive, often ranging from £250 to £500 or higher depending on the manufacturer. These costs highlight why having two keys at the time of purchase is beneficial
Factors That Influence Whether a Dealership Sells a Car Without a Spare Key
Several factors determine whether a dealership sells a car with one key or two. One of the main factors is whether the vehicle is new or used. New cars almost always come with two keys because manufacturers include them as part of the standard package, but used cars often do not since the spare key may have been lost by a previous owner. Another factor is dealership policy, as some dealers take extra steps to provide a spare key by ordering one before selling, while others choose not to incur the additional cost of programming and cutting a replacement.
The type of key also plays a significant role because traditional keys are cheap to duplicate, whereas modern smart keys or proximity fobs are expensive, sometimes costing hundreds of pounds, which discourages dealers from providing them unless asked. Vehicle age is another factor since older cars are more likely to have been through multiple owners, increasing the chances of missing spare keys, while newer models are typically better maintained. The way the dealer obtained the car also matters; cars bought at auctions or trade-ins frequently arrive with only one key, and the dealer simply resells them in the same condition.
Tips for Buyers When Purchasing a Car from a Dealership
To avoid issues related to spare keys, buyers should take some precautions. Always ask how many keys come with the vehicle before committing to buy. If only one key is provided, use it as a negotiation tool to lower the purchase price. Request that the dealership orders a new spare before you finalize the deal. Verify that any spare key provided works properly with the ignition, locks, and alarm system. Finally, consider the cost of replacement keys when calculating the total cost of ownership for the vehicle.
Negotiating a Spare Key with the Dealership
If a dealership tries to sell a car with only one key, you can often negotiate a better deal. You may ask the dealership to cover the cost of a spare key before finalizing the purchase. Alternatively, you could request a discount on the car price if no spare is provided. In some cases, warranties or service packages may include coverage for spare keys, so it’s worth checking. If the dealership refuses to provide a fair solution, walking away and looking for another car may be the best choice.
Real-Life Situations
Some buyers share experiences where they purchased a used car only to realize later that it came with just one key. In one case, a buyer of a luxury car discovered the cost of a replacement smart key was nearly £400, which could have been avoided by negotiating at the time of purchase. Another buyer used the missing spare key as leverage to reduce the purchase price of a used SUV, saving enough money to buy a replacement key themselves. These examples highlight the importance of addressing the issue upfront.
Advantages of Having a Spare Car Key
Having a spare car key offers several advantages:
- Convenience – You don’t have to worry if you misplace the main key.
- Peace of mind – Reduces stress in case of emergencies.
- Saves money long term – It is cheaper to duplicate an existing key than to replace a lost one.
- Helps in resale – Cars with two keys often sell faster and for a higher price.
Frequently Asked Question About Can a Dealership Sell a Car Without a Spare Key?
Can a dealership sell a car without a spare key?
Yes, a dealership can legally sell a car without a spare key. While most new cars come with two keys, used cars are often sold with only one, especially if the previous owner did not provide the spare.
Is it common for used cars to be sold with only one key?
Yes, it is very common. Many used car buyers report receiving only one key because spare keys are often lost, misplaced, or never handed over during trade-ins.
Do all new cars come with two keys?
Most manufacturers supply two keys with new vehicles, but errors in handling, shipping, or dealership practices could result in only one being provided. Always ask before finalizing your purchase.
Should I still buy a car if it only has one key?
You can, but it is wise to negotiate with the dealership. Either ask for a spare key to be included or request a discount on the price to cover the cost of a replacement.
How much does a replacement car key cost?
Replacement costs vary depending on the type of key:
- Basic metal keys: £10–£50
- Transponder keys: £75–£200
- Remote key fobs: £150–£300
- Smart keys: £250–£500+
Can I negotiate the cost of a spare key when buying a car?
Yes, many dealerships will either reduce the price of the car or provide a spare key if you ask before signing the contract.
What happens if I lose the only key I got from the dealership?
You will need to order a replacement key from a locksmith or the dealership, which can be expensive and may take time, especially for modern smart keys.
Does having only one key affect resale value?
Yes, cars with two working keys usually sell faster and for a higher price. Buyers see two keys as a sign of better care and value.
Is a dealership legally required to give two keys?
No law requires dealerships to provide two keys, especially with used cars. However, some manufacturers include two keys as part of the warranty for new vehicles.
Can car insurance help cover the cost of a replacement key?
Some insurance policies include key replacement cover, but it depends on your provider. You should check your policy details before making a claim.
Conclusion
So, can a dealership sell a car without a spare key? The answer is yes, but it may not always be in your best interest as a buyer. While new vehicles generally come with two keys, used cars often do not, leaving buyers responsible for replacing the spare. The lack of a second key can lead to inconvenience, higher costs, and reduced resale value. To protect yourself, always ask about spare keys before purchasing, use it as a negotiation point, and consider the long-term benefits of having a backup key.