How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be quite stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to replace them.
Find them first with your own eyes. Examine all your bags and pockets, and look around the house.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership with you prior to visiting a dealer or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle's title or registration. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
The idea of having a spare car key is a great idea, since losing your car keys can be very costly and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it once was to find a spare car key, there are several ways to find one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest method to get a spare key. Dealerships keep records of security details for each vehicle and will be able to locate yours in their system. They'll need to make you a key, and then pair it to your car. It could cost from $200 to $500 depending on the location, the dealership and model of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith design you a standard key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly when you own an older vehicle which doesn't come with an advanced key. You should check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership for details on how to pay.
The majority of cars today use an expensive, sophisticated key that is extremely difficult to replace. They have transponder chips 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 connected to your vehicle and this is only possible at the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer may ask you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at expiration of the lease. It is crucial to have a spare set of keys and key fobs in the event that this happens.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past but it's worth it to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared in case you have a problem, so make sure you keep a spare in a safe place and be aware of what to do in the event that you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing car keys is a pain. It can be frustrating to discover that you've forgotten the spare car key in the backseat of your car, whether you're at a petrol station or a grocery store just returning home from work. There are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have a conventional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can usually visit your local hardware store and get a replacement key for less than $10. You'll need to provide evidence of ownership, like the title or registration for your vehicle. It may be more difficult to replace a key that's more technologically advanced like a smart key or a remote fob. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new one made for you.
Transponder keys are used in the majority of modern automobiles. They must be programmed into the car's computer. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can reset your key by following the instructions in your owner’s manual. However, this could be time-consuming and complex and might not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you can lower the risk of them being lost. You can hang a key holder near your door or place them in a bowl on tables. You can also keep a key ring on you at all times, so that you know where your keys are. It is also a good idea to organize your office or home since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Remember that even if not the type to lose your keys, it's possible that you could lose they are there! In the event of an emergency, it's essential to create a backup plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who regularly loses your car keys, it's an excellent idea to have an extra. They're easy to store and are inexpensive and will spare you a great deal of stress in the future. Many newer vehicles have safety features that make it harder to lock yourself out. You can find this feature in the latest Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your car.
While there are spare remote car key to get your car key replaced, the details will depend on what type of key you have and the way it was lost. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed a locksmith can replace it. A smart key could make the process more difficult. The dealer will need to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key for you, which may take a few days.
Most car rental firms do not keep spare keys on-site however, they will help you resolve the problem. Hertz for instance, does offer the option of losing keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However, this service isn't available in the event that you don't buy additional roadside protection coverage.
If you're unable to receive assistance from your rental provider, or not having an emergency roadside service plan in place, you'll need to call locksmiths or a towing service. Both will get you back to your vehicle and on the roads, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research the options before settling on the best one, and to keep the contact information for both on hand in case you ever need them. Also, make sure you avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same spot every time and not putting them in your pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when you're parking.
4. Call an Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead if you lose your keys. It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but nowadays it's a big problem. The good part is that if smart about it, getting an extra car key isn't as difficult and expensive as it was in the past.
You'll first need to identify the type of key your vehicle uses. Traditional keys, with just an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder are generally simple to replace. A standard key without chip can cost between $10 to $12. The majority of modern cars have keys with security chips into them that need to be programmed to unlock doors or start the car. Keys replacement for these vehicles could cost up to $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires specialized equipment. This process can also be performed by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the appropriate equipment and expertise.
A key cutting shop such as AutoZone is also a possibility. A staff member will trace the contours of a working key. This will allow them to cut a new key that matches the original key's cuts. The only downside is that you won't be allowed to drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you'd like try this method out, you will require your driver's license as well as evidence 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 save on the cost of programming by having an entirely new key cut, then trying to reset it yourself. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual or online.