How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to get them replaced.
First, try to locate them yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Before you visit the dealership or locksmith, make sure to have proof of ownership such as your car registration or title. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a good idea, since losing your car keys can be very costly and stressful. There are many ways to get an extra key for your car, it's not as straightforward as it was in the past.
The simplest way to obtain a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of security information for each vehicle and are able to quickly locate your keys in their system. However, they will require a key for you as well as join it to your car. This can cost anywhere between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealer and the make of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also give you keys of standard size. This is a much cheaper alternative to going to the dealer, especially if you have an older car that doesn't have an upgraded key. You should check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership to see if you can pay.
The majority of cars today use a sophisticated key, which is much more expensive to replace than a conventional key. These keys have a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be connected to your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your car is on lease, the dealer might have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs when the lease is up. It is crucial to have a spare set of keys and key fobs in case this occurs.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it used to be but it's worth it to prevent stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's best to be ready for any eventuality. Keep the spare key in a safe location and be aware of what you need to do in the event that your keys ever get lost.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be an enormous discomfort to the neck. It can be a bit frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car key in the back of your car, whether you're at a petrol station or a grocery store on your way home after work. There are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you own a traditional key, like a regular double-edged car key, you are able to go to a local hardware store and get a replacement key for less than $10. But, you'll require proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. It may be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced, such as a smart key or remote fob. You may have to call a local locksmith or the manufacturer to get an entirely new key.
Most modern vehicles use a transponder key that needs to be programmed by the car's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, but is more expensive than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key by following the steps in your owner's manual, however, it can be laborious and time-consuming, and it will not always work.
If you have a designated area to store your keys you will reduce the chance of them being lost. You can place a bowl or a key holder on a table near your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring around with you so you are aware of where your keys will be. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office space since a messy home is a higher risk to lose items. Be aware that even if you're not the type to lose your keys, it's possible to forget the keys! It's essential to have an emergency plan in case this occurs. It's always better to be prepared than stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
If you are the type of person who regularly loses your car keys It's an excellent idea to have a spare. These are easy to store and are inexpensive and will spare you a great deal of stress in future. Many newer cars come with safety features that make it more difficult to gain access to the vehicle. Check out 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 many ways to replace your car key, but the specifics will vary depending on the type of key and the manner in which it was lost. For instance, if you have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, locksmiths will be able to replace it quickly. If you have a digital key, however, this can be a much more involved procedure. The dealer will have to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to get an alternative key for you and it could take several days.
The majority of car rental companies don't keep spare keys on their premises however, they will help you resolve the issue. Hertz provides a lost-key service as part its premium roadside support plan. This service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside insurance.
If your rental provider isn't able to assist you, or you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, your next option is to call an towing service or locksmith. Both can allow you to get back to your vehicle and on the road, but each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It's important to research the options before settling on the best one, and to keep the contact information for both on hand in case you need them. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you must always put them in the same location.
4. Call a Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, this could be a major issue. The good part is that if smart about it, getting the spare car key you need isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need to do is determine what type of key your vehicle has. Keys made of traditional design, which have an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are usually easy to replace. A basic key with no chip will cost around $10-$12. car key experts of modern cars have keys with security chips in. These keys must be programmed to unlock doors or to start the vehicle. Keys replacement for these cars can cost as much as $200.
The process of programming these chips is a complex process and requires special equipment. A locksmith may also be able to provide this service but it's crucial to find a locksmith who has the necessary expertise and tools.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone can also be utilized. An associate will trace the contours of a working key. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that matches the original's cuts. The only downside is that you won't be able to drive the vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you want to try this method, ensure you bring the actual working key together with your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith will be able to decode the VIN on these documents to locate the code required to pair a key with your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having a a new key cut and then attempting to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual, or you can search for "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.