How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to get them replaced.
The first step is to locate them yourself. Examine all your pockets and bags, and look around the house.
Before visiting the dealership or locksmith, make sure to have proof of ownership such as your car registration or title. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a great idea, as losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it once was to find a spare car key, there are many ways you can still get one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest method to obtain a replacement key. Dealerships keep records of security information for every vehicle and are able to quickly locate your key in their database. However, they will have to create the key for you and connect it to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $500 based on the location you live in, the dealership you use and the model of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you the standard key. This is less expensive than visiting a dealership in particular if your car is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. It's also important to check your car's warranty, car insurance policy, or auto club membership to see if they will pay for an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today use keys that are sophisticated and expensive that is hard to replace. The keys are equipped with transponders that communicate with a vehicle's system in order to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be connected to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your car is under lease, the dealer might require you to surrender two sets of keys and key fobs when the lease is up. It is crucial to have an extra set of keys and key fobs just in case this occurs.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worth it to avoid the stress and costly repairs in the future. It is best to be prepared for any eventuality. Keep your spare key in a secure place and know what you need to do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Call a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys is a pain. It can be very frustrating to discover that you've forgotten the spare car key in the back of your vehicle, no matter if you're at the gas station or a grocery store just returning home from work. There are several ways to replace your keys without paying an auto dealer or locksmith.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged type or a double-edged key, you can purchase a new one from your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership such as the registration or title of your vehicle. It might be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced like an intelligent key or remote fob. You may need to call your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a replacement designed for you.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed using the car's computer. Locksmiths can help you do this, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing the traditional key. You could also try to reset your key following the directions in the owner's manual, however, it can be difficult and time-consuming, and it isn't always successful.
If you have a designated area to store your keys you will reduce the chance of them being lost. You can put an empty bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. You can also keep a key ring around you at all times so that you know where your keys are. It is also a good idea to tidy up your office or home, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if your keys are never lost, you may lose them. In case of an emergency, it's crucial to prepare a backup plan. It's always better to be prepared than stranded on the side of the road!
3. Contact for a Towing Service
It's a great idea to keep an extra set of keys if have a problem with losing your car keys often. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep on hand and can save you lots of anxiety in the near future. Many newer cars come with security features which make it much more difficult to gain access to the vehicle. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or consider upgrading your vehicle to one that has it.
There are many ways to replace your car keys however the exact procedure will vary depending on the type of key and the manner in which it was lost. For instance, if have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it quickly. A smart key could make the process more difficult. The dealer will have to verify your VIN and provide proof ownership for an alternative key, which could take several weeks.
Most car rental companies don't keep spare keys on their premises however they will assist you in resolving the problem. Hertz, for example offers a lost key service as part of its roadside assistance plan. This service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company can't assist you, or if you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, the next step is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both will get you back in your car and back on the roads, but they each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It's important that you look into both options and keep contact information of both providers at hand in case of need. Avoid losing your keys by every means. This means you should always keep them in the same place.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead if you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car keys or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, this can be a major issue. The good news is that if you're clever about it, obtaining an extra car key isn't as difficult and expensive as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll need to do is determine what type of key your vehicle has. Traditional keys, with just a mechanical shank that inserts into the ignition cylinder are usually easy to replace. A basic key with no chip is priced between $10 and $12. But, newer cars use keys with built-in security chips that need to be programmed into the car in order to open the doors or start it. Finding a replacement for these keys can cost as much as $200.
The process of programming these chips is a complex process and requires special equipment. A locksmith might also be able to provide this service however it is important to find one who has the necessary skills and experience.
A key cutting shop, such as AutoZone can also be used. An associate will trace the contours of the working key. This way they'll be able to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the original key's cut. The only downside is that you won't be able to drive your vehicle until the new key has been 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 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 a key with your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having an entirely new key created and then attempting to reset it on your own. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual. Or, make spare car key near me can search for "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.