How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be quite stressful. Luckily, there are several methods to replace them.
Find them first with your own eyes. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership with you prior to visiting a dealer or locksmith. This could be your vehicle's registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's beneficial to have an extra key for your car, since losing them could be expensive and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it was in the past to get an extra car key, there are several ways to obtain one.
The easiest way to get a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships have a record of the security information for each vehicle and will find yours quickly in their database. However, they'll have to create the key for you and join it to your car. This can cost anywhere between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealership and make of your car.
Another option is to have a locksmith design you a standard key. This can be cheaper than visiting a dealership in particular if your car is older and doesn't have an advanced key. Make sure to check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership for payment.
The majority of cars today have a sophisticated, expensive key that is difficult to replace. The keys are equipped with a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart key, it needs to be paired back to your vehicle which can only be done at the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your car is on lease, the dealer could have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs after the lease is up. It is important 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 worth it to prevent stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared before you encounter 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 lose your car keys.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your car keys can be an enormous pain in the neck. When you're at the gas station, grocery store or on your way home from work it can be extremely difficult to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back seat of your car! Luckily, there are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay for the dealership or a locksmith.
If you have a conventional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you can usually go to a local hardware store and purchase a replacement for less than $10. But, you'll have to provide evidence of ownership, like the vehicle registration or title. It may be more difficult to replace a key that is more advanced in technology, such as a smart key or a remote fob. You might have to contact a local locksmith or the manufacturer to have an entirely new key.
The majority of modern vehicles have a transponder key that needs to be programmed by the car's computer. A locksmith can do this for you however, it's more expensive than simply replacing the traditional key. You can also reset your key using the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and difficult and might not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys, you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can place a bowl or a key holder on a table close to your door. You can keep a key ring on you at all times, so you are always aware of 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! Just remember that even if you are not prone to losing your keys, it's still possible that you'll lose them! It's important to have an emergency plan in case this occurs. It's better to be prepared rather than be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
If you are the type of person who is constantly losing your car keys it is an excellent idea to have an extra. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep around and can save you lots of anxiety in the future. Many newer cars come with security features which make it much more difficult to gain access to the vehicle. This feature is available in the brand new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your car.
There are several ways to replace your car key however the exact procedure will differ based on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. For spare remote car key , if have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths is likely to be able replace it quickly. A smart key can make the process more difficult. The dealer will need to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which may take a few days.
Car rental companies usually do not keep spare keys in their facilities However, they'll often assist you in getting the problem solved. Hertz offers a lost-key assistance as part its premium roadside support plan. This service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside insurance.
If your rental company is unable to help you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to call a locksmith or towing service. Both can get you back in your car and back on the roads, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study both options and keep the contact details of both providers at hand in case of need. Avoid losing your keys by every means. This means that you must always keep them in the same place.
4. Call a Repair Shop
When you lose your car keys, it's always best to have a plan for getting back in the vehicle. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Today, this can be a major issue. If you're smart, it's not as difficult or expensive to get a spare key as it was.
First, you'll need to identify the type of key that your vehicle uses. Keys that are traditional with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are simple to replace. A simple key without a chip is priced between $10 and $12. But, newer cars use keys with built-in security chips that need to be reprogrammed by the car to open the doors or start it. Keys replacement for these vehicles could cost up to $200.
The process of reprogramming these chips is complex and requires specialized equipment. A locksmith may also be able perform this task however it is important to find one 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 an operational key. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. The only drawback is that you will not be able drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you want to try this method, ensure you bring the actual working key along with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A dealer or locksmith will be able to decode the VIN on these documents in order to find the code needed to pair a key with your car.
You can also lower the cost of programming by purchasing a new key made and then trying to reset it on your own. Most manufacturers will include 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.