How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are many ways to replace them.
First, try to find them yourself. Check spare car keys , bags and even the whole house.
Make sure to bring proof of ownership before visiting a dealership or locksmith. This could be your car's title or registration. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
The idea of having a spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys can be very costly and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it once was to find an extra car key there are many ways you can still find one.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep a record of the security information for each vehicle and will find yours quickly in their system. They will need to create you a key and connect it to your vehicle. It could cost from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealer and model of your car.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you an ordinary key. This is a less expensive alternative to going to the dealer, particularly in the case of an older car that doesn't have an advanced key. It's also important to check your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to determine whether they'll pay for a new key fob.
The majority of cars today have a more sophisticated key, which is much more expensive to replace than a traditional key. They have transponders that communicate with the vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be connected to your vehicle which is only possible at 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 set and ensure that you have it when your lease expires.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past, but it's still worth it to prevent stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared in case you face a problem so make sure to keep your spare keys in an area that is secure and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing car keys can be a nightmare. When you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on your way home from work It can be frustrating to realize that you have left your spare key in the back of your car! Luckily, there are a few ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
If you own a traditional key, like a regular double-edged car key, you can visit your local hardware store and purchase an alternative for less than $10. You will need to show evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle. If you own a more technologically advanced key, for instance an electronic remote fob or smart key, it could be more difficult to replace. You may need to call your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a replacement created for you.
The majority of modern vehicles have a transponder key that needs to be programmed by the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, however it will cost more than replacing the standard key. You could also try to reset your key by following the steps in your owner's manual, however, this is difficult and time-consuming, and it isn't always successful.
By having a designated place to store your keys, you can lower the risk of them being lost. You can place the bowl or key holder on a table close to your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring with you to ensure that you know where your keys will be. You can also tidy up your home or office space, as a messy space can make it more likely that you will lose things. Remember that even if your keys aren't lost, you may lose them. It's crucial to have a backup plan in case this occurs. It's always better to be prepared rather than being stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
It's a great idea to keep an extra set of keys in case you are someone who loses their car keys frequently. They are simple to store and cheap, and will save you a great deal of stress in the future. Many newer vehicles have safety features that make it difficult to lock yourself out. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about changing your car to one with it.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car keys however the exact procedure will vary based on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed a locksmith can replace it. A smart key can make the process more difficult. The dealer will have to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get a replacement key for you, which may take several days.
The majority of car rental companies do not keep spare keys on their premises however, they will help you resolve the issue. Hertz provides a lost-key service as part of its premium roadside support plan. The service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside coverage.
If your rental provider isn't able to assist you, or you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to call a locksmith or towing service. Both of them can help you get back into your car and on the road but each comes with advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study each option and keep the contact details of both companies at hand in case of need. Also, make sure you 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
It is best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. It wasn't so long ago that losing your key was just an inconvenience, but today it can actually be an issue. The good part is that if smart about it, getting a spare car key isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
The first thing you'll have to identify the type of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key with no chip is priced between $10 and $12. The most recent vehicles have keys with security chips in that must be programmed to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Getting a replacement for these keys can cost upwards of $200.
These chips can be programmed at a local dealership, but the process is complex and requires special equipment. Locksmiths may also be able perform this service, but it's important to find a locksmith who has the proper experience and tools.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop like AutoZone where a staff member will pick up a working key and trace its contours. This will allow them to cut the new key to match the original key's cuts. The only downside is that you won't be allowed to drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you'd like try this method out you'll require a driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN on these documents in order to determine the key code needed to pair your key with your car.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by purchasing an entirely new key created and then trying to reset it yourself. The instructions are available in the owner's manual or on the internet.