How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a very stressful experience. There are several ways to replace keys.
Begin by locating them yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Make sure to bring proof of ownership with you prior to visiting a dealer or locksmith. This could be your vehicle's title or registration. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a good idea, since losing your car keys could be a huge financial burden and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it was in the past to obtain an extra car key, there are several ways to obtain one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep records of security details for each vehicle and are able to quickly locate your key in their database. They will need to create you a key and pair it to your car. This can cost between $200 to $500, based on your location, the dealership you use and the model of your car.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you the standard key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially in the case of an older car that doesn't have an upgraded key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, car insurance policy, or auto club membership to see if they will pay for the replacement of your key fob.
The majority of cars today have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. They have an electronic transponder that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be paired back to your vehicle which can only be done at the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at the end of the lease. It is important to have a second set of keys and key fobs in case this occurs.
It's more expensive to purchase an extra key, but it is still worth it if you wish to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared prior to when you face a problem so make sure you keep a spare key in a safe place and know what to do if you lose your car keys.
2. Call a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing keys to your car can be an enormous headache for the neck. When you're at the gas station, grocery store, or on the return from work, it can be very frustrating to realize that you have left your spare key in the back of your car! There are a few options to get your keys replaced without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you own a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can go to your local hardware store to purchase a replacement for less than $10. You'll need to provide proof of ownership such as the registration or title of your vehicle. It might be more difficult to replace a key that's more advanced in technology, such as a smart key or a remote fob. You may have to call an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to get a new key made.
Transponder keys are used in the majority of modern vehicles. They must be programmed into the computer of the vehicle. Locksmiths can assist you with this, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can reset your key following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this can be time-consuming and complex, and may not always work.
By having a designated place to keep 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 keep a key ring around you at all times so you are always aware of where your keys are. It is also possible to tidy up your office or home since a messy home could increase the likelihood to lose items. Be aware that even if you're not someone who loses your keys, it's still possible that you could forget they are there! It's crucial to have a backup plan in case this happens. It's better to be prepared than to be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Contact for a Towing Service
It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys often. They are simple to store and affordable, and will save you a lot of stress in the future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it more difficult to gain access to the vehicle. You can find this feature in the brand new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your car.
There are a variety of ways to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on the type of key you own and how it was lost. If spare car key maker have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed, locksmiths can replace it. A smart key could make the process more complicated. The dealer will need to run your VIN and provide proof ownership for a replacement key, which can take up to a few weeks.
Car rental companies generally don't keep spare keys on their premises however, they'll usually collaborate with you to get the problem resolved. Hertz, for example, does offer the option of losing keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. The service is not offered if you do not purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company is unable to assist you, or you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, the next option is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both can allow you to get back to your vehicle and on the road, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research both options before choosing the best one, and to keep the contact information for both on hand in case you ever require them. Avoid losing your keys by every means. This means that you must always put them in the same spot.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
It is best to prepare in case you lose your keys. It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but nowadays it can actually be an issue. If you're clever, it's not as difficult or expensive to purchase a spare key like it once was.
The first thing you'll have 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 typically simple to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip is priced between $10 and $12. Most recent cars come with keys that have security chips built into them that need to be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the car. Replacement keys for these cars can cost as much as $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. This procedure can also be done by a locksmith, however you should make sure that they have the right tools and experience.
Another option is to visit an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone where a staff member will use a key that is working and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that is in line with the original's cuts. The only drawback is that you won't be able to drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you want to try this method, ensure you bring the working key along with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to find the code that's needed to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having a new key cut and then trying to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual, or you can simply search for "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.