How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to get them replaced.
First, try to locate them yourself. Check all your pockets and bags and then look around the house.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership with you before visiting a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a great idea, since losing your car keys can be extremely costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it used to be to find an extra car key, there are several ways to get one.
The easiest method to obtain an extra car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of the security details for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their database. They will have to make you a key and connect it to your vehicle. This could cost anything between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealer and the make of your vehicle.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith make you a standard key. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly when you own an older car that doesn't have an upgraded key. It's also important to check your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to see if they will pay for the replacement of your key fob.
The majority of cars today have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a standard key. The keys are equipped with transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's systems to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be connected to your vehicle and this can only be done at 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. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare key and make sure you have it before your lease expires.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past but it's worthwhile to avoid the stress and costly repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared before you have a problem, so make sure to keep your spare keys in a safe place and know what to do if you ever lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be an absolute pain in the neck. When you're at the gas station, at the grocery store, or on the return from work It can be difficult to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership or a locksmith.
If you own a traditional key, like a regular double-edged car key, you are able to visit your local hardware store to purchase a replacement for less than $10. You'll need to provide proof of ownership like the registration or title of your vehicle. spare key maker may be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced, such as a smart key or a remote fob. You might have to contact an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to have a new key made.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed by the computer in the vehicle. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, however it will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can reset your key by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this can be lengthy and complicated, and may not always work.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys in the first place by having a dedicated space to keep keys. You can place the bowl or key holder on a table near your door. You can always keep a key ring with you to ensure that you are aware of where your keys will be. It is also a good idea to organize your home or office since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if your keys are never lost, you could lose them. It's essential to have a backup plan in case this happens. It's always better to be prepared rather than stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who is constantly losing your car keys it is an excellent idea to have a spare. These are fairly cheap and easy to keep in your car and can save you 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 latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or consider upgrading your current vehicle to one that has it.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car key, but the specifics will differ based on the type of key you have and how it was misplaced. For instance, if have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths will be able to replace it easily. If you own a smart key however, this could be a more complicated process. The dealer will need to examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get a replacement key for you this could take several days.
Most car rental firms do not keep spare keys in their facilities however they will assist you in resolving the issue. Hertz offers a lost-key service as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However the service isn't offered when you don't purchase additional roadside protection coverage.
If your rental company is unable to assist you, or if you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to call an towing service or locksmith. Both will help you get back to your vehicle and on the road, but each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study each option before selecting a provider, and to keep the contact information for both in case you need them. Also, make sure you avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means you should always put them in the same place.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead if you lose your keys. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Nowadays, this can be a major issue. The good part is that if aware of it, getting the spare car key you need isn't as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
You'll first need to determine 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 that does not have a chip is priced between $10 and $12. Most recent cars have keys with security chips built into them that need to be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Replacement keys for these cars could cost up to $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer, but the process is complex and requires specialized equipment. Locksmiths may also be able perform this procedure, but it's important to find one who has the necessary expertise and tools.
Another option is to go to an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone where an associate will take a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. The only downside is that you will not be able drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you're considering trying this method, make sure you have the original working key together with your driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to determine the code that's needed to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having a new key made and then trying to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual, or you can simply search for "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.