Rip Off Car Dealers and Replacement Car keys

I saw a post on the popular Money Saving Expert forum with a member complaining about a Fiat Coupe car key costing £190 recently. Indeed, it is a surprise for many when visiting an 'official' dealership to seek help. Of course, this is the seemingly obvious place to start, but not if you want to get a cheap resolution to your problem!

The reality is that car dealers have massive overheads. You only need to walk into their purpose built showrooms surrounded by 100+ cars to see that. Labour bills are also high, incredibly the average in London is over £115 an hour according to WhatCar? magazine.

So what can you do? Surprisngly few know that auto locksmiths (or car locksmith, whatever you prefer!) actually exist. Specialists in their chosen field, companies like The Car Key Locksmiths operate a mobile service for ultimate convenience. This mobile service also means low overheads, so the savings are passed on to you, the customer.

So before you pick up the phone to your greedy dealer, who is unlikely to reward your years of loyalty, support the local business community and phone up a car locksmith in your area.

Based around London, Kent, Essex or Surrey? Here at The Car Key Locksmiths, we provide replacement car keys and other car locksmith services. Just get in touch with us for a no-obligation informal recommendation :)

Launch of 24hr car locksmith service

Being a car locksmith, most clients are in a distressed state. Lets face it, nobody loses their car key by accident! Whether they have indeed lost their car key, or had it stolen, or for whatever reason can't get in their car, it is a major inconvienience. These days, losing your car is like losing a limb; if you can't use it, then you need to get it fixed, immediately!

So this is why, at the Car Key Locksmith, we're now running a 24 Hour Emergency Car Locksmith Service. And yes, this is a 365 days a year service too, so no matter when you have a problem with your car, we can be over to yours quickly to fix it for you.

If you're in dire straits and live in London, Kent, Surrey and surrounding areas, just get in touch with our (new!) 24HR mobile locksmiths on 0794 670 5894 or visit www.carkeyslocksmith.co.uk.

Think you know how cars are stolen? Think again!

Traditionally, people think that cars and vans are stolen at the dead of night, down a dodgy road by breaking the locks and forcing the ignition. However, although this used to be the case, before vehicle security improved drastically, nowadays that couldn't be further from the truth!

Since the advent of immobilsers being installed as an industry norm, now the car theft game has changed completely! Instead, 37% of car thefts are made through bulgalry (i.e. taking keys having broken into the home). And, worryingly, a lot of thefts are in the day time, in full view. In comparison, forced entry is only 14%. Surprised? Most people are!

Other interesting figures from the survey shows that 18% of people left the car keys in the car (oops!) and 12% of cars were stolen using the spare car keys.

Clearly then, there are security lessons to be learnt here! First of all, make sure your keys are in a safe place, not left near the door or on the stairs. It is probably a good idea to leave your spare car key with a TRUSTED family member, so it is in a different location.

Ultimately though, if you are burgaled for car keys, don't put up a fight. Your life is worth more than a car, which after all, is insured. Instead, take action to make your car/home less of a target. Install an alarm, security posts, a gate etc. which will deter thieves. It won't stop vehicle crime, but at least it won't be you!

Stay safe out there!