How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are many ways you can replace them.
Find them first by yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Before visiting the dealership or locksmith, make sure to have evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle registration or title. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's a good idea to have an extra key for your car, since losing them can be costly and stressful. There are still a variety of ways to get a spare key for your vehicle, even although it's not as simple as it was before.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep track of the security details for every vehicle, and they can find yours quickly in their database. However, they will have to create the key for you and connect it to your vehicle. This can cost anywhere between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealer and model of your car.
A locksmith can also create you a standard-sized key. This is less expensive than going to the dealership in particular if your car is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. Make sure to check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you can pay.
The majority of cars today use a sophisticated key that is more expensive to replace than a conventional key. These keys have transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be connected to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
It is important to note that if your car is on lease, the dealer could require you to turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease is up. If this is the case, it's important to have a spare set and ensure that you have it before the lease ends.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worth it to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared in case you have a problem, so make sure to keep a spare key in a safe place and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys can be a real pain in the neck. Whether you're at the gas station, grocery store, or on the way home from work it can be extremely painful to discover that you've forgotten your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are several ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged type you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show evidence of ownership, like the registration or title for your vehicle. Full Write-up could be more difficult to replace a key that's more advanced in technology, such as an intelligent key or remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new one created for you.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed with the car's computer. A locksmith can do this for you, but it will be more expensive than replacing the traditional key. You can reset your key following the instructions in your owner’s manual. However, this can be lengthy and complicated and might not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can hang a key holder by your door, or put them in an empty bowl on a table. You can always keep a key ring with you so you know where your keys will be. You can also attempt to declutter your home or office because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if your keys aren't lost, you could lose them. In case of an emergency, it's important to have an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared than stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Contact for a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who is constantly losing your car keys It's recommended to purchase a spare. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep on hand, and they will save you lots of stress in the future. Many newer vehicles have security features that make it harder to secure yourself. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about upgrading your vehicle to one that has it.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car key replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the kind of key you have and the way it was lost. For instance, if you have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, a locksmith is likely to be able replace it with ease. If you have a smart key, however, this can be a more complex process. The dealer must check your VIN and provide proof ownership to obtain an alternative key, which could take a few weeks.
Most car rental firms do not keep spare keys on their premises however, they will help you resolve the issue. Hertz, for example offers the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. However the service isn't offered in the event that you don't buy additional roadside protection coverage.
If your rental provider isn't able to assist you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both can help you get back into your car and on the road however each has advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research both options before choosing the best one, and to keep the contact details for both on hand in case you ever require them. Be sure to keep your keys safe by every means. This means placing them in the same spot each time and not leaving them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when you're parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to prepare when you lose your keys. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was a minor inconvenience. Today, this can be a major issue. If you're intelligent, it's not nearly as expensive or difficult to find a spare key as it was.
It is first necessary to identify the type of key your vehicle uses. Keys made of traditional design, which have an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are typically simple to replace. A standard key without chip costs between $10 to $12. However, more recent cars use keys with built-in security chips that have to be reprogrammed by the car to unlock the doors or start it. Finding an alternative key could cost up to $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires specialized equipment. Locksmiths may also be able to perform this service but it's crucial to choose a locksmith with the proper skills and experience.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop like AutoZone where an associate will take a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that matches the original's cut. The only drawback is that you won't be able to drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you want to try this method, ensure you have the original working key together with your driver's licence and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN number on these documents to determine the code that's needed to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also save money on the cost of programming by having a new key cut and then trying to reset it yourself. You can find the instructions in the owner's guide or online.