How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to replace them.
Find them first by yourself. Take a look in all your bags and pockets and walk around the house.
Before you visit the dealership or a locksmith ensure that you have evidence of ownership like your registration number or title for your vehicle. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing to have an extra key for your car as losing them can be costly and stressful. While it's not as easy as it used to be to obtain a spare car key, there are many ways to find one.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep a record of the security information for each vehicle and will locate your car key quickly within their system. They will have to make you a key, and then pair it with your car. This can cost between $200 and $500 based on where you live and the dealership you select and the model of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith design you a standard key. This is cheaper than going to the dealership, especially if your car is older and doesn't have an advanced key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to determine 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 conventional key. These keys have a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be connected to your vehicle which is only possible at the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your car is under lease, the dealer could have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs when the lease is up. It is important to have a spare set of keys and key fobs just in case this happens.
It's more expensive to get a spare key, however it's still worth it if you want to avoid stress and costly repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared in case you encounter a problem, so make sure you keep your spare keys in an area that is secure and be aware of what to do in the event that you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact for a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys is a pain. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you've forgotten your spare car key in the back of your vehicle, whether you're at a gas station or grocery store, or on your way home after work. There are several ways to replace your keys, without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you have a conventional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you are able to go to your local hardware store and get a replacement key for less than $10. However, you'll require proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. If you own a more technologically advanced key, such as an electronic remote fob or smart key, it could be harder to replace. It is possible to contact your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a new key designed for you.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed with the vehicle's computer. A locksmith can help you do this however it is more expensive than simply replacing an old key. You could also try to reset your key by following the steps in the owner's manual, but this can be laborious and time-consuming, and it will not always work.
You can lower the risk of losing your keys in the first place by having a specific space to keep keys. You can hang a key holder near your door or place them in an empty bowl on a table. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring around with you so you know where your keys will be. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office because a messy area can make it more likely to lose items. Keep in mind that even if the keys are never lost, you could forget them. It's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that this occurs. It's better to be prepared than to be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call toll-free Towing Service
It is a good idea to keep a spare set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys often. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep around and will save you a lot of anxiety in the near future. Many newer cars come with security features which make it much more difficult to gain access to the vehicle. You can find this feature in the new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your car.
While there are many ways to get your car keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on what type of key you have and how it was lost. If you own a traditional key that is not digitally programmed, locksmiths can replace it. If you own a smart key however, this could be a more complicated process. The dealer will need to check your VIN and provide proof of ownership for an alternative key, which could take several weeks.
Car rental companies typically do not keep spare keys in their facilities however, they'll usually collaborate with you to get the issue resolved. Hertz offers a lost-key assistance as part its premium roadside assistance plan. However the service isn't offered when you don't purchase additional roadside protection coverage.
If you can't get assistance from your rental company, or in the event that you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan in place, you'll need to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both will allow you to get back in your car and on the roads, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research each option before selecting the best one, and to store the contact information for both in case you ever require them. Be sure to keep your keys safe by every means. This means that you must always keep them in the same spot.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead when you lose your keys. It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but now it's often a big problem. The good thing is that if you're clever about it, obtaining the spare car key you need isn't as difficult and expensive as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll have to determine the type of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition are simple to replace. A standard key without chip can cost between $10 and $12. Most recent cars have keys that have security chips built in. These keys must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the car. getting a spare key for my car for these cars can cost as much as $200.
The process of programming these chips is a complex process and requires the use of specialized equipment. This service can also be done by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the right equipment and expertise.
Another option is to visit an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone where a staff member will pick up a working key and trace its contours. This way, they'll be able to cut a new key that matches the cut of the original key. The only drawback is that you will not be able to drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like to test this method out, you will require your driver's license as well as proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents in order to locate the code required to pair your key with your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by purchasing 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 look up "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.