How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be quite stressful. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to replace them.
First, try to find them yourself. Examine your bags, pockets and even the whole house.
Before you visit the dealership or a locksmith ensure that you have proof of ownership such as your car registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing to have an extra key for your car as losing them can be costly and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it was in the past to obtain a spare car key, there are a variety of ways to obtain one.
The easiest way to get a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of the security information for each vehicle and will locate your car key quickly within their system. They will need to create you a key and pair it to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 to $500, based on your location and the dealership you select, and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you the standard key. This is a much cheaper alternative to going to the dealer, especially in the case of an older car that doesn't have an advanced key. Make sure to check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you can pay.
Today's vehicles utilize a high-tech key, which is much more expensive to replace than a conventional key. The keys are equipped with an electronic transponder that communicates with a vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be paired with your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer may ask you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at end of the lease. It is important to have an extra set of keys and key fobs in case this occurs.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past but it's worth it to prevent stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared prior to when you encounter a problem, so make sure you keep a spare key in a safe place and know what to do if you ever lose your car keys.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be an absolute pain in the neck. It can be frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car keys in the back seat of your vehicle, whether you're at a gas station, grocery store, or on your way home after work. There are several ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can usually visit your local hardware store to purchase a replacement key for less than $10. However, you will have to provide proof of ownership, like the registration of your vehicle or title. If you have a technologically advanced key, such as a remote fob or smart key, it might be harder to replace. You might have to contact an individual locksmith or the manufacturer to have an entirely new key.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed by the car's computer. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, however it will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can reset your key following the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this can be time-consuming and difficult, and may not always work.
You can lessen the chance of losing your keys in the first place by having a designated space to keep them. You can hang a key holder close to your door or place them in the form of a bowl on a table. You can always keep a key ring close to you to can know where your keys are going to be. You can also attempt to organize your office or home because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if you are not prone to losing your keys, it's still possible to lose them! It's essential to have a backup plan in the event that this occurs. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact a Towing Service
It is a good idea to have an extra set of keys if have a problem with losing your car keys often. They are simple to store and affordable and can save you a great deal of stress in future. Many newer vehicles have safety features that make it harder to secure yourself. You can find this feature in the new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your vehicle.
There are many ways to replace your car keys but the details will vary based on the type of key and the way it was lost. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed, locksmiths can replace it. If you own a smart key however, this could be a more complicated procedure. The dealer must run your VIN and provide proof ownership for an alternative key, which could take up to a few weeks.
Car rental companies generally do not keep spare keys on their premises However, they'll often collaborate with you to get the issue resolved. Hertz, for example, does offer the service of locating keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside 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 call a towing service or locksmith. Both of them can help you get back into your vehicle and on the road, but each has advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research each option before selecting the best one, and to keep the contact details for both in case you need them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you must always keep them in the same place.
4. Call a Repair Shop
If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to have a plan for how to get back in your vehicle. It wasn't that long ago that losing your key was just an inconvenience, but nowadays it can actually be a big problem. The good part is that if aware of it, getting an extra car key is not nearly as hard and expensive as it was in the past.
First, you'll need to identify the type of key that 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 basic key with no chip will cost around $10-$12. However, more recent automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that must be reprogrammed to the car in order to open the doors or start it. Getting the keys replaced could cost up to $200.
The process of programming these chips is a complex process and requires special equipment. A locksmith might also be able to perform this service however it is important to find one who has the necessary skills and experience.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone is also a possibility. An associate will trace the contours of an operational key. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. The only drawback is that you will not be able drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you'd like try this method out you'll require your driver's license as well as evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code needed to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by purchasing a new key made and then attempting to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Alternatively, recommended you read can search for "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.