How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are many ways you can replace them.
First, try to find them yourself. Examine your bags, pockets and even the whole house.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership before visiting a dealership or locksmith. This could be your vehicle registration or title. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a good option, since losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it was in the past to find an extra car key there are many ways to still find one.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient method to obtain a replacement key. Dealerships keep a record of security information for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their database. They'll need to make you a key, and then pair it to your car. This can cost between $200 and $500 depending on the location you live in and the dealership you select, and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you a standard key. This is less expensive than visiting a dealership particularly if your vehicle is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. You should check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership for payment.
The majority of cars today have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. The keys are equipped with a transponder that communicates with the vehicle's system in order to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be connected to your vehicle and this is only possible at the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer might have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease is up. If this is the case, you need to have a spare set and ensure you have it before your lease ends.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it used to be but it's worthwhile to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It is best to be prepared for any situation. Keep the spare key in a safe location and be aware of what you need to do in the event that your keys ever get lost.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's no secret that losing keys to your car can be a real pain in the neck. Whether you're at the gas station, grocery store or on your return from work it can be extremely difficult to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay an auto dealer or locksmith.
If you have an old key such as a double-edged key, you can get a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership like the registration or title for your vehicle. If you own a more technologically advanced key, such as a remote fob or smart key, it could be harder to replace. You may have to call a local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key made.
Transponder keys are found in a majority of modern automobiles. They have to be programmed into the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can reset your key following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and difficult and may not always work.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys in the first place by having a designated place to put them. You can hang a key holder close to your door or put them in a bowl on the table. You can keep a key ring with you at all times so you are always aware of where your keys are. You can also attempt to organize your home or office because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Keep in mind that even if the keys are never lost, you may lose them. In the event of an emergency, it's crucial to prepare a backup plan. It's always better to be prepared than stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact for a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who frequently loses your car keys It's a good idea to get a spare. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep on hand, and they will save you a lot of anxiety in the future. Many newer vehicles have safety features that make it harder to secure yourself. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your car to one with it.
While there are many ways to get your car key replaced, the details will depend on the type of key you have and how it was lost. For instance, if have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it easily. If you have a smart key however, this could be a more complex procedure. The dealer will have to run the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get a replacement key for you and it could take a few days.
Most car rental firms do not keep spare keys on-site, but will work with you to resolve the issue. Hertz for instance offers the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. This service is only available if you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If get spare key made can't assist you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next step is to call a locksmith or towing service. Both of them can help you get back into your vehicle and on the road, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is essential to research each option and keep the contact information of both providers available in case of emergency. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means you should always put them in the same spot.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
If you've lost your car keys, it's always best to have a plan to return inside the vehicle. It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but today it can actually be a big problem. The good part is that if smart about it, getting the spare car key you need is not nearly as hard and costly as it used to be.
The first thing you'll have to identify the type of key your vehicle has. Keys made of traditional design, which have an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder are usually easy to replace. A simple key without a chip can cost between $10 and $12. But, newer cars use keys with built-in security chips that have to be programmed into the car to unlock the doors or start it. Keys replacement for these cars can cost as much as $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at a local dealership however the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. Locksmiths may also be able to perform this task however it is important to find one who has the proper experience and tools.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop like AutoZone, where an associate will use a key that is working and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that matches the original's cuts. The only downside to this is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If you'd like to test this method, you will need your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents to determine the key code needed to pair your key with your car.
You can also save on the cost of programming by having a new key cut and then attempting to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual, or you can search for "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.