How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to get them replaced.
Begin by locating them yourself. Examine all your bags and pockets and then look around the home.
Before you visit the locksmith or dealership, make sure to have evidence of ownership, such as your car registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing to have an extra key for your car, since losing them could be expensive and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it was in the past to get a spare car key, there are many ways to find one.
Contacting the dealership is the quickest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep records of security details for each vehicle and can quickly find yours in their system. They will however have to create the key for you as well as join it to your car. This could cost anything from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealership and model of your car.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you a standard key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, especially in the case of an older vehicle which doesn't come with an advanced key. Check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you can pay.
The majority of cars today use keys that are sophisticated and expensive that is extremely 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 keys, they'll need to be linked to your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, the dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs by the end of the lease. It is important to have an extra set of keys and key fobs in the event that this happens.
It's more expensive to get a spare key, however it's still worth it if you wish to save yourself from stress and costly repairs in the future. It's best to be prepared for any eventuality. Keep the spare key in a safe location and know what you should do if your keys get lost.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys can be a nightmare. It can be very frustrating to find out that you've left the spare car key in the backseat of your vehicle, no matter if you're at a gas station, grocery store, or just returning home from work. Luckily, there are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay for the locksmith or dealership.
If you own a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you are able to visit your local hardware store to purchase a replacement key for less than $10. You'll need proof of ownership like the registration or title for your vehicle. It might be more difficult to replace a key that's more advanced in technology like an intelligent key or remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith or even the manufacturer to have a new key designed for you.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed using the car's computer. A locksmith can help you do this however, it's more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can also reset your key using the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this can be lengthy and complicated, and may not always work.
You can lessen the chance of losing your keys in the first place by having a specific location to store them. You can hang a key holder close to your door or put them in a bowl on a table. You can keep a key ring with your person at all times to ensure that you know where your keys are. You can also attempt to declutter your office or home, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Remember that even if your keys aren't lost, you might lose them. It's important to have a backup plan in case this occurs. It's always better to be prepared than stranded on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
If you are the type of person who regularly loses your car keys, it's recommended to purchase a spare. These are fairly cheap and simple to keep on hand, and they will save you a lot of stress in the future. Many newer vehicles have safety features that make it more difficult to secure yourself. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or consider changing your vehicle to one with this feature.
There are many ways to replace your car keys however the exact procedure will differ based on the type of key and the way it was lost. If getting spare key for car have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. A smart key can make the process more difficult. The dealer must examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key for you and it could take a few days.
Car rental companies usually do not keep spare keys on site However, they'll often assist you in getting the issue solved. Hertz, for example, does offer a lost key service as part of its roadside assistance plan. This service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside coverage.
If you're unable to get assistance from your rental provider, or in the event that you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan with them, you'll need to call an emergency locksmith or towing service. Both will get you back in your car and on the roads, but they each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It's important to research each option before selecting a provider, and to keep the contact details for both on hand in case you need them. Be sure to keep your keys safe by all means. This means you should always keep them in the same location.
4. Call an Repair Shop
When you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to have a plan for getting back in your vehicle. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was a minor inconvenience. Today, this can be a major problem. The good thing is that if you're smart about it, getting a spare car key isn't nearly as difficult and costly as it used to be.
You'll first need to identify the type of key your vehicle is using. Traditional keys, with just a mechanical shank that inserts into the ignition cylinder are usually easy to replace. A simple key without a chip is priced between $10 and $12. The most recent vehicles come with keys with security chips in. These keys must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Getting a replacement for these keys can cost upwards of $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealership, but the process is complicated and requires special equipment. This service can also be performed by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they have the appropriate equipment and expertise.
Another option is to go to a key cutting shop like AutoZone where an associate will pick up a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. 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 interested in trying this method, make sure you have the original working key together with your driver's licence and proof of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code needed to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by having a new key made and then attempting to reset it on your own. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual, or you can look up "How to program a (your year, make and model) key" online.