How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are a variety of ways you can replace keys.
Begin by locating them yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and the entire home.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership before you visit a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your car's registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
The idea of having a spare car key is a good option, since losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. There are still several ways to obtain an extra key for your car, even though it's not as easy as it was in the past.
The easiest method to obtain a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships keep track of security information for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their database. However, they will need to make the key for you and connect it to your vehicle. The cost can range from $200 and $500 depending on where you live, the dealership you use, and the make of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also create you a standard-sized key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. You should check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership to see if you can pay.
Most of today's cars use a sophisticated key that is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. The keys are equipped with an electronic transponder that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be linked to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your car is on lease, the dealer might require you to turn in two sets of keys and key fobs after the lease is up. If this is the case, you need to have a spare key and ensure you have it before the lease is up.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worthwhile to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared before you have a problem, so ensure you keep a spare in a secure location and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys can be an absolute pain in the neck. If you're at a gas station, the grocery store, or on the return from work it can be extremely painful to discover that you've forgotten your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys without paying an auto dealer or locksmith.
If you have an old key such as a double-edged key, you can get a new one from your local hardware store for less than $10. But, you'll have to provide proof of ownership, like the vehicle registration or title. If you have a technologically advanced key, such as an electronic remote fob or smart key, it might be harder to replace. It is possible to contact an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to get a new key created.
Transponder keys are found in a majority of modern automobiles. They have to be programmed into the computer of the vehicle. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, but is more expensive than replacing a standard key. You can also try to reset your key following the steps in the owner's manual, however, this is lengthy and time-consuming, and it will not always work.
You can lessen the chance of losing your keys in the first place by having a designated place to put them. You can place a bowl or a key holder on a table near your door. You can also keep a key ring on you at all times, so that you know where your keys are. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office because a messy area can make it more likely that you will lose things. Be aware that even if not someone who loses your keys, it's still possible to forget they are there! In the event of an emergency, it's crucial to prepare a backup plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than being stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call toll-free Towing Service
It's a good idea to have a spare set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys often. These are fairly cheap and easy to keep in your car and will help you avoid a lot of anxiety in the future. Many newer cars come with safety features that make it more difficult to be locked out of the vehicle. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about changing your vehicle to one that has it.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car key but the details will differ based on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. If you own a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you have a digital key however, this could be a more complex procedure. The dealer will have to check your VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which can take up to a few weeks.
Most car rental companies don't keep spare keys on their premises however they will assist you in resolving the issue. Hertz, for example, does offer the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. The service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside coverage.
If your rental company is unable to assist you, or if you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, your next option is to contact a towing service or locksmith. Both will help you get back in your car and on the road but each comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research each option before selecting a service, and also to keep the contact information for both in case you ever require them. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you must always keep them in the same place.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to have a plan for how to get back in your vehicle. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was a minor inconvenience. Nowadays, this can be a major issue. If get a spare car key , it's not nearly as difficult or expensive to get a spare key as it was in the past.
You'll first need to determine the type of key your vehicle is using. The keys that have mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are simple to replace. A basic key without a chip will cost between $10 to $12. But, newer automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that need to be reprogrammed to the car to open the doors or start it. Keys replacement for these vehicles can cost as much as $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealership, but the process is complex and requires specialized equipment. This process can also be done by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they are equipped with the proper tools and experience.
A key cutting shop, such as AutoZone can also be used. A staff member will trace the contours of the working key. This will allow them to cut the new key to match the original key's cuts. The only drawback is that you will not be able to drive the vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you want to try this method, make sure you bring the 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 in order to find the code needed to pair your key with your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by having an entirely new key created and then attempting to reset it on your own. You can find the instructions in the owner's guide or on the internet.