How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are many ways to replace them.
First, try to locate them yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Before visiting the dealership or a locksmith, make sure to have evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's beneficial to have a spare key for your car since losing them could be expensive and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it used to be to get an extra car key, there are a variety of ways you can still find one.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient method to obtain a replacement key. Dealerships keep track of the security information for every vehicle, and they can find yours quickly in their system. They will however need to make the key for you, and join it to your car. This could cost anything from $200 to $500 depending on the location, the dealership and the make of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also make you keys of standard size. This is less expensive than going to the dealership particularly if your vehicle is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. Make sure to 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 conventional key. They have a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's systems 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 and this is only possible at the dealership.
It is important to note that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer might require you to turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease expires. It is essential to have an extra set of keys and key fobs in the event that this occurs.
It's more costly to buy a spare key, however it's still worth it if you want to save yourself from stress and expensive repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared prior to when you face a problem so ensure you keep a spare in an area that is secure and be aware of what to do in the event that you lose your car keys.
2. Call a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing keys to your car is a hassle. It can be very frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car key in the back of your vehicle, no matter if you're at the gas station or grocery store, or on your way home after work. There are several ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay the locksmith or dealership.
If you have a traditional key, like a regular double-edged car key, you are able to go to a local hardware store and purchase a replacement for less than $10. You'll need proof of ownership such as the title or registration for your vehicle. If you own a more technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or a smart key, it might be harder to replace. You might need to contact your local locksmith or even the manufacturer to have a new one made for you.
Most modern vehicles utilize a transponder key that needs to be programmed using the vehicle's computer. A locksmith can do this for you however it is 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 can be time-consuming and difficult, and may not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you can lower the risk of them getting lost. You can hang a key holder close to your door or place them in a bowl on tables. You can always keep a key ring with you to ensure that you are aware of where your keys will be. You can also tidy up your office or home, as a messy space can make it more likely to lose items. Remember that even if not prone to losing your keys, it's possible to lose the keys! It's essential to have an emergency plan in case this occurs. It's always better to be prepared than stranded on the side of the road!
3. Contact a Towing Service
It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys often. They're fairly inexpensive and easy to keep around and will help you avoid a lot of anxiety in the near future. A lot of newer cars have security features that make it more difficult to lock yourself out. You can find this feature in the latest Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your vehicle.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car key replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the kind of key you own and how it was lost. For example, if you have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths is likely to be able replace it with ease. A smart key could make the process more difficult. The dealer must run the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get a replacement key and it could take a few days.
Car rental companies usually do not keep spare keys in their facilities however, they'll usually work with you to get the problem resolved. Hertz, for example, does offer the option of losing keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. This service is only offered if you do not purchase additional roadside coverage.
If your rental company can't assist you, or if you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to call a towing service or locksmith. Both will get you back to your vehicle and on the road, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study the options before settling on the best one, and to keep the contact details for both on hand in case you ever need them. Avoid losing your keys by every means. This means putting them in the same spot every time and not leaving them in the pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when you're parking.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
If you've lost your keys to your car, it's better to have a strategy for how to get back in the vehicle. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, get spare key made can be a major problem. The good part is that if aware of it, getting an extra car key isn't as difficult and costly as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need do is determine what kind of key your vehicle has. Traditional keys, with just an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder are usually easy to replace. A basic key with no chip will cost around $10-$12. The most recent vehicles have keys that have security chips built in. These keys must be programmed to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Getting a replacement for these keys could cost up to $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at a local dealership, but the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. A locksmith may also be able perform this task but it's crucial to find a locksmith who has the necessary expertise and tools.
A key cutting shop such as AutoZone can also be utilized. An associate will trace the contours of a working key. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that is in line with the original's cuts. The only downside to this is that you won't be allowed to drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you'd like to test this method you'll require a driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN on these documents in order to determine the key code needed to connect a key to your vehicle.
You can also save money on the programming costs by having an entirely new key cut, then trying to reset it yourself. You can find the instructions in the owner's guide or on the internet.