How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. There are many ways you can replace them.
First, try to find them yourself. Examine all your pockets and bags and then look around the home.
Before you visit the dealership or locksmith be sure to bring proof of ownership such as your registration number or title for your vehicle. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's beneficial to have a spare key for your car, since losing them could be expensive and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it used to be to find an extra car key there are many ways to get one.
The easiest way to get an extra car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships have a record of the security details for every vehicle, and they can locate your car key quickly within their system. They will have to make you a key, and then pair it to your car. It could cost between $200 and $500 depending on where you live and the dealership you select and the model of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also create you an ordinary-sized key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, especially if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to see whether they'll pay for a new key fob.
The majority of cars today utilize a high-tech key, which is much more expensive to replace than a traditional key. The keys are equipped with a transponder that communicates with the system of the vehicle in order to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it'll 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 may require you to turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease expires. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare key and ensure that you have it before the lease ends.
It's more expensive to purchase a spare key, but it's worth it if you wish to avoid the hassle of costly repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared in case you have a problem, so make sure to keep a spare in an area that is secure and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing car keys is a pain. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you've forgotten your spare car keys in the backseat of your vehicle, no matter if you're at the gas station or a grocery store on your way home after work. Luckily, there are a few options to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged type you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership such as the registration or title for your vehicle. It might be more difficult to replace a key which is more advanced in technology like a smart key or a remote fob. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or even the manufacturer to have a new one made for you.
Transponder keys are used in the majority of modern vehicles. These keys must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, however it is more expensive than replacing a standard key. You can reset your key following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this can be lengthy and complicated, and may not always work.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys in the first place by having a dedicated location to store keys. You can put the bowl or key holder on a table close to your door. You can 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 office or home since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if your keys aren't lost, you might lose them. In the event of an emergency, it's important to have a backup plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than being stuck on the side of the road!
3. Call a Towing Service
It's a great idea to keep a spare set of keys in case you have a problem with losing your car keys frequently. They're easy to store and are inexpensive and will spare you a lot of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it harder to be locked out of the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or consider upgrading your current car to one with it.
There are a variety of ways to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on what type of key you have and how it was lost. For example, if you have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, a locksmith should be able to replace it quickly. If you have a smart key however, this could be a more complex process. The dealer must run your VIN and provide proof ownership to get you a replacement key, which can take several weeks.
Car rental companies usually don't keep spare keys on their premises, but they will often collaborate with you to get the problem resolved. Hertz provides a lost-key service as part its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside insurance.
If your rental provider isn't able to assist you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, your next option is to contact a towing service or locksmith. Both will allow you to get back in your car and back on the roads, but they each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It is important to study each option and keep the contact information of both providers at hand in case of need. Don't lose your keys by all means. This means that you must always put them in the same place.
4. Call an Repair Shop
It is best to prepare in case you lose your keys. In the past, misplacing your car keys or losing it was a minor issue. Today, this can be a major problem. If you're smart, it's not as costly or difficult to get an extra key as it once was.
The first thing you'll need to do is determine what kind of key your vehicle has. Traditional keys, with just the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder are generally simple to replace. A basic key with no chip is priced between $10 and $12. But, newer automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that need to be programmed into the car to open the doors or start it. Keys replacement for these vehicles can cost up to $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however, the process is complicated and requires special equipment. Locksmiths may also be able to perform this procedure, but it's important to find one who has the proper expertise and tools.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone is also a possibility. A staff member will trace the contours of an operational key. This way, they'll be able to cut the new key to match the cut of the original key. The only downside to this is that you won't be able drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If you're considering trying this method, make sure you have the original working key together with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents to locate the code required to pair your key with your vehicle.
You can also lower the cost of programming by purchasing a new key and then trying to reset it on your own. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual or online.