How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. Luckily, there are several methods to replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Check all your bags and pockets and walk around the house.
Before visiting the locksmith or dealership, make sure to have evidence of ownership, such as your car registration or title. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's beneficial to have an extra key for your car as losing them can be costly and stressful. There are still several methods to obtain a spare key for your car, it's not as straightforward as it was before.
The easiest way to get a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of security information for every vehicle and can locate your car key quickly within their database. However, they'll need to make the key for you, and connect it to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 to $500, based on where you live, the dealership you use, and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you a standard key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially if you have an older car that doesn't have an advanced 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 a new key fob.
The majority of cars today use a sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. The keys are equipped with a transponder chip 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.
If your vehicle is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at expiration of the lease. It is important to have a second set of keys and key fobs in case this occurs.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past but it's worth it to avoid the stress and costly repairs in the future. It is best to be prepared for any scenario. Keep your spare key in a safe location and know what you need to do in the event that your keys get lost.
2. Call a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your car keys can be an enormous discomfort to the neck. Whether you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on the way home from work it can be extremely painful to discover that you've forgotten your spare key in the back of your car! There are a few options to replace your keys without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged type or a double-edged key, you can purchase an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, you will need to provide evidence of ownership, like the registration of your vehicle or title. It might be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced, such as an intelligent key or remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a new key made for you.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that need to be programmed with the computer in the vehicle. A locksmith can assist you with this however, it's more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. Read Webpage can reset your key by following the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and complex, 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 place an empty bowl or key holder on a table close to your door. You can always keep a key ring with you to know where your keys will be. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office since a messy home could increase the likelihood that you'll lose things. Be aware that even if your keys are never lost, you may forget them. It's important to have an emergency plan in case this occurs. It's always better to be prepared rather than stranded on the side of the road!
3. Contact a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who is constantly losing your car keys, it's a good idea to get a spare. These are easy to store and cheap and will spare you a lot of stress in future. Many newer vehicles have safety features that make it more difficult to secure yourself. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or think about upgrading your vehicle to one with this feature.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the specifics will depend on the kind of key you have and how it was lost. For example, if you have a traditional key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths will be able to replace it with ease. A smart key could make the process more complicated. The dealer must check your VIN and provide proof ownership to get you a new key, which could take several weeks.
The majority of car rental companies do not keep spare keys on their premises however they will assist you in resolving the problem. Hertz provides a lost-key service as part its premium roadside support plan. However, this service isn't available when you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If you can't get help from your rental company, or if you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan with them then you'll have to call an emergency locksmith or towing service. Both can help you get back in your vehicle and back on the road but each comes with advantages and disadvantages. It is important to research both options and keep contact information of both providers available in case of emergency. Be sure to keep your keys safe by all means. This means you should always put them in the same location.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to prepare if you lose your keys. It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but nowadays it's often an issue. The good thing is that if you're smart about it, getting the spare car key you need isn't as difficult and costly as it used to be.
First, you'll need to determine the type of key your vehicle is using. The keys that have mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip is priced between $10 and $12. However, modern cars use keys with built-in security chips that need to be reprogrammed to the car to unlock the doors or start it. Finding an alternative key can cost as much as $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special equipment. A locksmith may also be able to provide this task however it is important to find a locksmith who has the proper experience and tools.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop like AutoZone where an associate will pick up a working key and trace its contours. This will allow them to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the original key's cuts. The only downside is that you will not be able to drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you're considering trying this method, make sure you bring the working key along with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN number on these documents to find the code required to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by purchasing a new key made and then attempting to reset it yourself. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual. Alternatively, you can search for "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.