How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. There are many ways you can replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Take a look in all your pockets and bags and walk around the home.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership prior to visiting a dealer or locksmith. This could be your car's title or registration. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys can be extremely costly and stressful. There are many ways to get a spare key for your car, although it's not as simple as before.
The simplest way to obtain a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of security information for every vehicle, and they can locate your car key quickly within their database. They will have to make you a key and pair it with your car. This could cost anything between $200 and $500 based on the location, the dealership and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith design you a standard key. This can be cheaper than visiting a dealership, especially if your car is older and doesn't have an upgraded key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, car insurance policy or auto club membership to see if they will pay for a new key fob.
The majority of cars today have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. These keys have a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's systems to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll need to be connected to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer may ask you to return two sets of keys or key fobs by the end of the lease. It is essential to have an extra set of keys and key fobs in the event that this happens.
It's more expensive to purchase an extra key, but it's still worth it if you want to avoid stress and costly repairs in the near future. It is always advisable to be prepared in case you have a problem, so make sure to keep a spare in an area that is secure and know what to do if you lose your car keys.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your car keys can be an absolute headache for the neck. If you're at a gas station, grocery store, or on your way home from work It can be frustrating to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back seat of your car! Luckily, there are a few options to replace your keys without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
If you own a traditional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you can usually go to a local hardware store and purchase a replacement for less than $10. You'll need evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title for your vehicle. It might be more difficult to replace a key which is more technologically advanced, such as an intelligent key or remote fob. It is possible to contact a local locksmith or the manufacturer to get a new key created.
The majority of modern vehicles have transponder keys that have to be programmed with the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, however it will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key following the instructions in the owner's manual, however, this is laborious and time-consuming, and will not always work.
By having a designated place to store your keys you can reduce the chances of them being lost. You can place the bowl or key holder on a table close to your door. You can keep a key ring with you at all times so that you always know where your keys are. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office because a messy area could increase the likelihood that you'll lose things. Be aware that even if you are not prone to losing your keys, it's still possible that you could lose they are there! It's crucial 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 for a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who regularly loses your car keys, it's an excellent idea to have a spare. They are relatively inexpensive and simple to keep in your car and will help you avoid a lot of anxiety in the near future. Many of the latest vehicles come with security features that make it harder to lock yourself out. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about changing your vehicle to one with this feature.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the details will depend on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. For example, if you have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths is likely to be able replace it quickly. If you own a smart key however, this could be a much more involved process. The dealer will need to examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a replacement key for you, which may take several days.
Car rental companies generally don't keep spare keys on their premises however, they'll usually work with you to get the issue resolved. 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.
If your rental company can't assist you, or you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, the next option is to call an towing service or locksmith. Both will help you get back in your car and on the road, but each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research each option before selecting a service, and also to store the contact information for both on hand in case you ever need them. Avoid losing your keys by all means. This means putting them in the same place every time and not leaving them in the pocket of your coat or on top of your car when you're parking.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
If you lose your car keys, it's always best to have a plan for how to get back in your vehicle. It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but today it's often an issue. The good news is that if you're smart about it, getting a spare car key isn't as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
You'll first need to determine the type of key that your vehicle is using. The keys that have mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip can cost between $10 and $12. The majority of modern cars come with keys with security chips built in. These keys must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Finding a replacement for these keys can cost upwards of $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealership however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special equipment. A locksmith may also be able perform this procedure however it is important to find a locksmith who has the necessary skills and experience.
A key cutting shop such as AutoZone can also be used. An associate will trace the contours of an operational key. This way they'll be able to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the original key's cuts. The only downside is that you won't be able to drive the vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If order spare key for car 'd like to try this method, you will require your driver's license as well as evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code that's needed to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also save money on the programming costs by having the key cut from a new one and then trying to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Alternatively, you can search for "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.