How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. There are a variety of ways you can replace them.
Find them first by yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole house.
Make sure to bring proof of ownership before you visit a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle's title or registration. 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 costly and stressful. There are still several ways to obtain an extra key for your car, although it's not as simple as it was in the past.
The easiest way to get an extra car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships maintain records of security information for each vehicle and will be able to locate your keys in their system. They'll need to make you a key and pair it with your car. It could cost between $200 and $500 based on the location you live in, the dealership you use and the model of your car.
spare keys near me can also give you an ordinary-sized key. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially when you own an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to see whether they'll pay for an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today utilize an expensive, sophisticated key that is hard to replace. They have 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 connected to your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
It is important to note that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer might have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease is up. If this is the case, it's important to have a spare set and ensure that you have it before the lease ends.
It's more expensive to purchase a spare key, however it is still worth it if you want to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared prior to when you have a problem, so ensure you keep your spare keys 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 a nightmare. When you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on your return from work It can be frustrating to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are many ways to replace your keys, without having to pay an expensive locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old lock, like a double-edged one, you can get an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show evidence of ownership, like the registration or title for your vehicle. It may be more difficult to replace a key that's more technologically advanced like an intelligent key or remote fob. You may have to call a local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key created.
The majority of modern vehicles have transponder keys that need to be programmed using the computer in the vehicle. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key following the steps in the owner's manual but this can be lengthy and time-consuming, and it isn't always successful.
If you have a designated area to store your keys you can lower the risk of them being lost. You can hang a key holder close to your door or place them in the form of a bowl on a table. You can keep a key ring around you at all times so you are always aware of where your keys are. It is also a good idea to organize your home or office, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Just remember that even if you're not prone to losing your keys, it's still possible that you'll forget they are there! It's essential to have a backup plan in the event that this occurs. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Contact a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who is constantly losing your car keys It's a good idea to get a spare. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to keep around and can save you lots of anxiety in the near future. Many of the latest vehicles come with safety features that make it more difficult to secure yourself. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your vehicle to one that has it.
While there are many ways to get your car keys replaced, the specifics will depend on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. If you have a conventional key that is not digitally programmed locksmiths can replace it. A smart key can make the process more complicated. The dealer must run your VIN and provide proof ownership to get you a new key, which could take a few weeks.
Most car rental companies don't keep spare keys on their premises however they will help you resolve the problem. Hertz provides a lost-key service as part its premium roadside assistance plan. However, this service isn't available in the event that you don't buy additional roadside protection coverage.
If your rental provider isn't able to assist you, or you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both can 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 both options before choosing a service, and also to keep the contact information for both in case you ever need them. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means putting them in the same place every time, and not leaving them in the pocket of your coat or on top of your car when you're parking.
4. Call a Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Today, this can be a major issue. If you're smart, it's not as difficult or expensive to find a spare key like it once was.
First, you'll need to identify the type of key your vehicle is using. Keys made of traditional design, which have an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are usually easy to replace. A basic key without chip costs between $10 to $12. But, newer cars have keys that come with security chips that need to be reprogrammed to the car in order to unlock the doors or start it. Getting an alternative key could cost up to $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however, the process is complex and requires specialized equipment. This service can also be performed by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they have the appropriate tools and know-how.
Another option is to go to an establishment that cuts keys, such as 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 cuts. The only downside is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you're considering trying this method, make sure you bring the actual working key together with your driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to determine the code required to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by having an entirely new key created and then trying to reset it yourself. The instructions are available in the owner's guide or online.
