How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to replace them.
First, try to locate them yourself. Take a look in all your bags and pockets and then look around the house.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership prior to visiting a dealer or a locksmith. This could be your car's title or registration. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing to have a spare key for your car, since losing them could be costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it once was to obtain a spare car key, there are several ways you can still find one.
Contacting the dealership is the quickest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep records of security information for every vehicle and are able to quickly locate your keys in their system. They will have to make you a key and pair it with your car. It could cost between $200 and $500 depending on your location and the dealership you choose and the model of your vehicle.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith design you the standard key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, especially when you own an older vehicle which doesn't come with an advanced key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, car-insurance policy or auto club membership to see if they will pay for the replacement of your key fob.
The majority of cars today utilize a sophisticated, expensive key that is hard to replace. The keys are equipped with a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's systems to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be connected to your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer may ask you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at expiration of the lease. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare and make sure you have it before the lease is up.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past but it's worth it to avoid the stress and costly repairs in the future. It's best to be prepared for any situation. Keep the spare key in a safe place and know what you should do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys is a pain. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you've forgotten your spare car key in the backseat of your vehicle, no matter if you're at the gas station or grocery store, or just returning home from work. There are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged one you can purchase a new one from your local hardware store for less than $10. However, you'll require proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. It might be more difficult to replace a key which is more advanced in technology like an intelligent key or remote fob. You may need to call your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a new key created for you.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed with the computer in the vehicle. A locksmith can do this for you however, it's more expensive than replacing a traditional key. You could also try to reset your key following the instructions in the owner's manual however, it can be difficult and time-consuming, and isn't always successful.
If you have a designated area to store your keys, you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can put the bowl or key holder on a table near your door. You can always keep a key ring around with you to know where your keys will be. You can also try to declutter your home or office, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if you're not prone to losing your keys, it's possible that you could lose they are there! In case of an emergency, it's crucial to have a backup plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than stranded on the side of the highway!
3. Contact for a Towing Service
It's a great idea to keep a spare set of keys in case you are someone who loses their car keys frequently. They are simple to store and are inexpensive, and will save you a great deal of stress in future. Many newer cars come with safety features that make it harder to be locked out of the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about changing your vehicle to one that has it.
There are a variety of ways to get your car keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on what type of key you own and how it was lost. If you have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, locksmiths can replace it. A smart key can make the process more complicated. The dealer will need to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get an alternative key for you, which may take some time.
The majority of car rental companies do not keep spare keys on-site however, they will assist you in resolving the problem. Hertz, for example, does offer the option of losing keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If you are unable to get assistance from your rental company or if you don't have an emergency roadside service plan in place, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both will help you get back to your vehicle and on the roads, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. recommended you read that you study both options and keep contact details of both providers at hand in case of need. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same place every time and not putting them in your pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It's best to plan ahead if you lose your keys. It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but today it's often an issue. The good thing is that if you're aware of it, getting the spare car key you need isn't nearly as difficult and costly as it used to be.
The first thing you'll have to identify the kind of key your vehicle has. Keys that are traditional with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip can cost between $10 and $12. However, modern cars use keys with built-in security chips that need to be reprogrammed to the car to open the doors or start it. Getting an alternative key can cost as much as $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealership, but the process is complex and requires special equipment. A locksmith may also be able to perform this task however it is important to find one who has the proper expertise and tools.
A key cutting shop such as AutoZone can also be used. A staff member will trace the contours of a working key. This will allow them to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the original key's cut. The only drawback is that you won't be able drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you want to try this method, make sure you bring the working key along with your driver's license and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith will be able to decode the VIN on these documents in order to find the code needed to pair a key with your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by getting an entirely new key created and then trying to reset it on your own. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual, or you can look up "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.