How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a very stressful experience. There are several ways to replace them.
First, try to locate them yourself. Check your pockets, bags and even the whole house.
Before you visit the dealership or a locksmith ensure that you have evidence of ownership like your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing to have a spare key for your car, since losing them could be costly and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it used to be to obtain an extra car key, there are several ways to obtain one.
Contacting the dealership is the quickest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep a record of the security information for every vehicle, and they can find yours quickly in their database. However, they will require a key for you and pair it with your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $500 depending on your location and the dealership you select, and the make of your car.
A locksmith can also create you keys of standard size. This is less expensive than going to the dealer in particular if your car is older and doesn't have an advanced key. get a spare car key made is also advisable to check your car's warranty, car-insurance policy, or auto club membership to determine if they will pay for an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today use an expensive, sophisticated key that is hard to replace. They have an electronic transponder that communicates with the vehicle's system in order to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be paired with your vehicle which is only possible at the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your car is on lease, the dealer might require you to surrender two sets of keys and key fobs when the lease is up. It is essential to have a spare set of keys and key fobs in case this occurs.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past, but it's still worthwhile to avoid the stress and costly repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared prior to when you have a problem, so ensure you keep a spare key in an area that is secure and be aware of what to do in the event that you ever lose your car keys.
2. Call a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing car keys is a pain. When you're at the gas station, grocery store or on your way home from work, it can be very difficult to realize that you have left your spare key in the back of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you have an old key, such as a double-edged key you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You'll need to provide evidence of ownership, like the title or registration for your vehicle. If you have a technologically advanced key, such as an electronic remote fob or smart key, it may be harder to replace. It is possible to contact a local locksmith or the manufacturer to get a new key made.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that need to be programmed by the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing a standard key. You can also reset your key using the instructions provided 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 lower the risk of them getting lost. You can hang a key holder close to your door, or put them in the form of a bowl on the table. You can also keep a key ring around you at all times, so that you know where your keys are. You can also try to declutter your home or office because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Keep in mind that even if the keys aren't lost, you could forget them. In case of an emergency, it's important to prepare a backup plan. It's better to be prepared than be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
It is a good idea to have an extra set of keys in case you are someone who loses their car keys frequently. They're easy to store and are inexpensive and will spare you a great deal of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it difficult to secure yourself. This feature is available in the new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your vehicle.
There are several ways to replace your car key, but the specifics will vary depending on the type of key you have and the manner in which it was lost. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed a locksmith can replace it. If you have a digital key however, it could be a more complex procedure. The dealer will need to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to get an alternative key for you, which may take a few days.
Car rental companies typically don't keep spare keys on their premises however, they'll usually assist you in getting the issue resolved. Hertz, for example, does offer the option of losing keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. However this service isn't provided when you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company can't assist you, or if you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next step is to call a towing service or locksmith. Both can allow you to get back in your car and on the road, but each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study both options before choosing the best one, and to store the contact information for both on hand in case you need them. Don't lose your keys by all means. This means placing them in the same spot each time and not leaving them in the pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to prepare if you lose your keys. It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but today it can actually be an issue. If you're smart, it's not as costly or difficult to find an extra key as it once was.
You'll first need to determine the type of key that your vehicle uses. The traditional keys with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are simple to replace. A standard key without chip can cost between $10 and $12. The majority of modern cars come with keys that have security chips built into them that need to be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Keys replacement for these cars can cost up to $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at a local dealership however the process is complicated and requires specialized equipment. A locksmith may also be able to provide this procedure, but it's important to find a locksmith who has the proper skills and experience.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone can also be utilized. A staff member will trace the contours of a working key. This will allow them to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the original key's cut. The only downside is that you won't be allowed to drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you'd like to 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 lower the cost of programming by having an entirely new key created and then trying to reset it yourself. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual. Alternatively, you can simply search for "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.