How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. There are many ways you can replace them.
Find them first with your own eyes. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Before you go to the dealership or a locksmith ensure that you have evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great idea, as losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. There are still several methods to obtain an extra key for your vehicle, even though it's not as easy as before.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships maintain records of security information for every vehicle and will be able to locate your key in their database. They'll need to make you a key, and then pair it to your vehicle. It could cost from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealer and model of your car.
A locksmith can also give you a standard-sized key. This is a much cheaper alternative to going to the dealer, especially in the case of an older car that doesn't have an upgraded key. It's also important 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.
Most of today's cars use a sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a conventional key. The keys are equipped with transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be connected to your vehicle, which can only be done at the dealership.
It is important to note that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer could require you to surrender two sets of keys and key fobs after the lease is up. It is crucial to have an extra 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 worthwhile to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's best to be ready for any scenario. Keep your spare key in a secure location and know what you need to do in the event that your keys get lost.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's no secret that losing car keys can be an absolute pain in the neck. It can be very frustrating to discover that you've forgotten your spare car keys in the backseat of your car, whether you're at a petrol station or grocery store, or just returning home from work. There are a few ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have a conventional key, like a regular double-edged car key, you can go to your local hardware store to purchase a replacement key for less than $10. You'll need to provide proof of ownership such as the registration or title of your vehicle. It could be more difficult to replace a key that's more advanced in technology, such as a smart key or remote fob. You might have to contact an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to have a new key made.
Transponder keys are used in the majority of modern vehicles. They must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, however it will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key by following the steps in your owner's manual, however, this is lengthy and time-consuming, and it isn't always successful.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys by having a specific space to keep keys. You can put a bowl or a key holder on a table close to your door. You can also keep a key ring on you at all times so that you always know where your keys are. It is also a good idea to organize your home or office since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Keep in mind that even if the keys are never lost, you could lose them. It's important to have a backup plan in case this occurs. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact for a Towing Service
It's a great idea to keep a spare 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 future. Many newer cars come with safety features that make it more difficult to get locked out of the vehicle. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or consider changing your car to one with it.
While there are many ways to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on the kind of key you own and how it was lost. If you have a conventional, non-digitally programmed key, locksmiths can replace it. A smart key could make the process more difficult. The dealer must run your VIN and provide proof ownership to get you an alternative key, which can take a few weeks.
The majority of car rental firms do not keep spare keys on their premises however, they will work with you to resolve the issue. Hertz, for example, does offer the option of losing keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. The service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside coverage.
If you are unable to get assistance from your rental company or not having an emergency roadside service plan with them, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both can get you back into your vehicle and on the road, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It's important that you research each option and keep the contact details of both providers on hand just in case. Don't lose your keys by every 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 parking.
4. Call a Repair Shop
If you lose your keys to your car, it's better to have a strategy for getting back inside the vehicle. In the past, misplacing your car keys or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Nowadays, this can be a major issue. If you're smart, it's not as difficult or expensive to purchase an extra key as it once was.
First, you'll need to determine the type of key that your vehicle is using. Traditional keys, with just the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder are generally simple to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost between $10 and $12. But, make a spare key have keys that come with security chips that need to be reprogrammed to the car in order to unlock the doors or start it. Finding a replacement for these keys can cost as much as $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealer however the process is complicated and requires specialized equipment. Locksmiths may also be able to perform this service but it's crucial to find a locksmith who has the necessary experience and tools.
A key cutting shop such as AutoZone can also be used. An associate will trace the contours of a working key. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that matches the original's cut. The only downside is that you will not be able to drive the vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like try this method out you'll need your driver's licence and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to determine the code needed to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by getting an entirely new key created and then attempting to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Alternatively, you can look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.