How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a very stressful experience. There are many ways to replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Take a look in all your bags and pockets and walk around the home.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership with you before you visit a dealership or locksmith. This could be your car's title or registration. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a great idea, since losing your car keys can be very costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it used to be to get a spare car key, there are many ways to still get one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest method to get a spare key. Dealerships keep records of security details for each vehicle and are able to quickly locate your keys in their system. However, they'll have to create the key for you and pair it with your vehicle. It could cost from $200 to $500, depending on the location, dealer and model of your car.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you the standard key. This is less expensive than visiting a dealership, especially if your car is older and doesn't have an advanced key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, car insurance policy, or auto club membership to see whether they'll pay for an entirely new key fob.
Today's vehicles use a sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. These keys contain transponders that communicate with the system of the vehicle to allow you to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it needs to be paired back to your vehicle which is only possible at the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at end of the lease. It is crucial to have an extra set of keys and key fobs in case this happens.
It's more expensive to get a spare key, but it's still worth it if you want to avoid the hassle of expensive repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared prior to when you have a problem, so make sure to keep a spare in an area that is secure and know what to do if you ever lose your car keys.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys is a pain. It can be frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car key in the back seat of your vehicle, whether you're at a petrol station or grocery store, or just returning home from work. There are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you own a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can usually visit your local hardware store to purchase a replacement for less than $10. However, you'll need to provide proof of ownership, like the registration of your vehicle or title. If you own a more technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or smart key, it might be harder to replace. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new one created for you.
Transponder keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. They must be programmed into the computer of the vehicle. get spare key made can be accomplished by a locksmith, however it will cost more than replacing the standard key. You could also try to reset your key following the directions in your owner's manual, but this can be laborious and time-consuming, and it isn't always successful.
By having a designated place to store your keys, you can lower the risk of them getting lost. You can put an empty bowl or key holder on a table close to your door. You can always keep a key ring close to you to ensure that you know where your keys will be. You can also declutter your home or office space because a messy area could increase the likelihood to lose items. Be aware that even if your keys aren't lost, you could lose them. In the event of an emergency, it's crucial to create an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than being stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
If you are the type of person who is constantly losing your car keys, it's an excellent idea to have a spare. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to keep on hand and will save you lots of anxiety in the future. Many newer cars come with security features which make it much more difficult to get locked out of the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or consider upgrading your current car to one with it.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car key but the details will differ based on the type of key you have and how it was misplaced. For instance, if have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, a locksmith is likely to be able replace it with ease. If you own a smart key, however, this can be a more complex process. The dealer must examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain an alternative key for you, which may take a few days.
Most car rental companies don't keep spare keys on-site however, they will work with you to resolve the problem. Hertz offers a lost-key assistance as part its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is only available if you don't purchase additional roadside insurance.
If your rental company is unable to assist you, or if you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, your next option is to call an towing service or locksmith. Both will allow you to get back to your vehicle and on the roads, but they each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It is essential to research each option and keep the contact details of both providers at hand in case of need. Don't lose your keys by all means. This means putting them in the same spot every time and not leaving them in the pocket of your coat or on top of your car when parking.
4. Call an Repair Shop
If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to have a plan to return in your vehicle. It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but today it's often an issue. If you're clever, it's not as difficult or expensive to purchase an extra key as it was.
The first thing you'll have to identify the kind of key your vehicle has. Keys that are traditional with an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key without a chip will cost between $10 and $12. But, newer cars use keys with built-in security chips that have to be programmed into the car in order to open the doors or start it. Keys replacement for these vehicles can cost up to $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealer however the process is complicated and requires specialized equipment. Locksmiths may also be able to provide this service, but it's important to find a locksmith who has the necessary expertise and tools.
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 be able cut a key that matches the original's cuts. The only downside is that you will not be able drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you're interested in trying this method, ensure you bring the working key along with your driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code needed to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also lower the cost of programming by getting a new key made and then attempting to reset it on your own. You can find instructions in the owner's manual or on the internet.