How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. There are many ways to replace keys.
First, try to locate them yourself. Take a look in your bags and pockets and walk around the home.
Before visiting the dealership or locksmith be sure to bring proof of ownership such as your vehicle 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 costly and stressful. There are still a variety of ways to get an extra key for your vehicle, even though it's not as easy as before.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep records of security details for each vehicle and will be able to locate your key in their database. However, they'll have to create the key for you as well as pair it with your vehicle. It could cost from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealership and model of your car.
A locksmith can also give you a standard-sized key. This is cheaper than going to the dealer, especially if your car is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. It's also important to check your car's warranty, insurance policy, or auto club membership to determine if they will pay for an entirely new key fob.
Today's vehicles use a sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a standard key. They have a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll need to be linked to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at the end of the lease. It is crucial to have an extra set of keys and key fobs in the event that this occurs.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past but it's worthwhile to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's best to be prepared for any eventuality. Keep a spare key in a safe location and be aware of what you need to do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your keys to your car is a hassle. Whether you're at the gas station, at the grocery store, or on the return from work it can be extremely frustrating to realize that you have left your spare key in the back of your car! Luckily, there are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay for the dealership or a locksmith.
If you have an old lock, 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'll need evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration for your vehicle. If you own a more technologically advanced key, such as a remote fob or a smart key, it may be more difficult to replace. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new one made for you.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed using the computer in the vehicle. Locksmiths can do this for you, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can also try to reset your key by following the steps in the owner's manual, however, this is laborious and time-consuming, and isn't always successful.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys in the first place by having a dedicated location to store keys. You can place the bowl or key holder on a table near your door. You can keep a key ring around you at all times, so you are always aware of where your keys are. You can also try to tidy up your office or home because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Remember that even if your keys are never lost, you could lose them. In case of an emergency, it's important to create a backup plan. spare car key cut to be prepared rather than be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Call toll-free Towing Service
It's a great idea to have a spare set of keys if you are someone who loses car keys frequently. They're easy to store and are inexpensive and can save you a lot of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have safety features which make it much more difficult to be locked out of the vehicle. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or consider changing your car to one with it.
While there are many ways to get your car key replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the type of key you own and how it was lost. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed, locksmiths can replace it. A smart key could make the process more difficult. The dealer must examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get a replacement key for you this could take a few days.
Car rental companies typically don't keep spare keys on site, but they will often work with you to get the issue resolved. Hertz for instance, does offer the option of losing keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. This service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside coverage.
If your rental company is unable to help you, or you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, your next option is to call a towing service or locksmith. Both can get you back into your car and on the road, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to study both options before choosing a service, and also to keep the contact details for both on hand in case you need them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you must always put them in the same location.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
If you've lost your car keys, it's always better to have a strategy for how to get back in the vehicle. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, this could be a major problem. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting the spare car key you need is not nearly as hard and costly as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll need do is determine what 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 that does not have a chip will cost around $10-$12. However, more recent cars have keys that come with security chips that must be reprogrammed by the car in order to unlock the doors or start it. Getting a replacement for these keys can cost upwards of $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealer however the process is complex and requires special equipment. A locksmith might also be able to provide this procedure however it is important to find a locksmith who has the proper skills and experience.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be utilized. A worker will trace the contours of a working key. This way they'll be able to cut a new key that matches the cut of the original key. The only drawback is that you will not be able drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like to try this method out, you will require your driver's license as well as proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents to find the code needed to pair a key with your car.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by getting a new key made and then trying to reset it on your own. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual. Or, you can look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.