How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are many ways you can replace keys.
Begin by locating them yourself. Check your pockets, bags and even the whole home.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership with you before visiting a dealership or locksmith. This could be your car's registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a good option, since losing your car keys can be very costly and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it was in the past to obtain an extra car key, there are several ways you can still obtain one.
The easiest method to obtain a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships maintain records of security information for every vehicle and will be able to locate yours in their system. However, they will have to create the key for you as well as pair it with your vehicle. The cost can range from $200 and $500 based on the location you live in and the dealership you select and the model of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you the standard key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. You should check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you can pay.
Today's vehicles have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a standard key. They have an electronic transponder that communicates with the vehicle's system for unlocking and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they'll need to be linked to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at the expiration of the lease. It is crucial to have an extra set of keys and key fobs in the event that this happens.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past, but it's still worth it to prevent anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It's best to be ready for any scenario. Keep the spare key in a secure place and know what you need to do if your keys ever get lost.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys can be a nightmare. It can be a bit frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car key in the backseat of your car, whether you're at a petrol station or grocery store, or on your way home after work. There are several ways to replace your keys without paying an expensive locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged one or a double-edged key, you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, you'll have to provide evidence of ownership, such as the registration of your vehicle or the title. If you have a technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or a smart key, it could be harder to replace. You might need to contact your local locksmith or even the manufacturer to have a replacement made for you.
Transponder keys are used in the majority of modern vehicles. These keys must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. A locksmith can help you do this however, it's more expensive than replacing the traditional key. You can reset your key following the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and complex and might not always work.
If you have a designated area to store your keys you can reduce the chances of them getting lost. You can place the bowl or key holder on a table close to your door. You can always keep a key ring with you to ensure that you can know where your keys are going to be. It is also possible to tidy up your office or home because a messy area is a higher risk that you will lose things. Be aware that even if you are not prone to losing your keys, it's possible that you'll lose the keys! In case of an emergency, it's essential to prepare a backup plan. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Contact a Towing Service
It's a good idea to have a spare set of keys if are someone who loses their car keys frequently. They're fairly inexpensive and easy to keep on hand and can save you a lot of anxiety in the near future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it harder 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 car to one with it.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the specifics will depend on the type of key you have and how it was lost. If you have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you own a smart key, however, this can be a more complex procedure. The dealer will need to run your VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a new key, which could take a few weeks.
Car rental companies typically do not keep spare keys in their facilities However, they'll often work with you to get the issue solved. Hertz, for example, does offer a lost key service 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 provider isn't able to assist you, or if you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next step is to contact an towing service or locksmith. Both will help you get back in your car and on the road, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It's important that you research both options and keep the contact information of both providers at hand in case of need. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you put them in the same place each time and not putting them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when you're parking.
4. Call an Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. It wasn't that long ago that losing your keys was an inconvenience, but now it can actually be a big problem. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting an extra car key is not nearly as hard and costly as it was in the past.
It is first necessary to identify the type of key your vehicle uses. Keys that are traditional, having a mechanical shank that inserts into the ignition cylinder, are usually easy to replace. A basic key with no chip will cost around $10-$12. The most recent vehicles come with keys that have security chips built in that must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Replacement keys for these cars can cost up to $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however the process is complicated and requires special equipment. A locksmith may also be able to perform this procedure but it's crucial to find a locksmith who has the necessary expertise and tools.
A key cutting shop such as AutoZone can also be utilized. A staff member will trace the contours of the working key. This will allow them to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the cut of the original key. The only drawback is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you want to try this method, ensure you have the original working key together with your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN on these documents to locate the code required to pair a key with your car.
spare car key price can also save money on the programming costs by having the key cut from a new one and then trying to reset it yourself. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual or on the internet.