How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to replace them.
First, try to locate them yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole house.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership before visiting a dealership or locksmith. This could be your car's title or registration. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's a good idea to have an extra key for your car, as losing them can be costly and stressful. There are still a variety of methods to obtain a spare key for your car, although it's not as simple as it was in the past.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient method to get a spare key. Dealerships keep records of security information for every vehicle and can quickly find your key in their database. However, they'll require a key for you and join it to your car. This can cost anywhere between $200 and $500 based on the location, the dealership and model of your car.
A locksmith can also make you keys of standard size. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly when you own an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. Check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership for details on how to pay.
Most of today's cars have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a conventional key. These keys have a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's systems to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be connected to your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your car is under lease, the dealer might require you to turn in two sets of keys and key fobs after the lease expires. It is important to have an extra set of keys and key fobs just in case this happens.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past, but it's still worth it to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared before you have a problem, so make sure you keep a spare in an area that is secure and be aware of what to do in the event that you lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your car keys can be an enormous pain in the neck. If you're at a gas station, grocery store or on your return from work, it can be very difficult to realize that you've left your spare key in the back of your car! There are a variety of ways to replace your keys, without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you have a conventional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you are able to visit your local hardware store and get a replacement for less than $10. You'll need evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle. If you have a technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or smart key, it might be more difficult to replace. You might have to contact an individual locksmith or the manufacturer to get an entirely new key.
Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of modern automobiles. They must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, however it is more expensive than replacing the standard key. You could also try to reset your key following the instructions in the owner's manual however, it can be lengthy and time-consuming, and it will not always work.
If you have a designated spot to keep your keys, you can lower the risk of them getting lost. You can place an empty bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring close to you to ensure that you are aware of where your keys will be. It is also a good idea to tidy up your office or home since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if you're not prone to losing your keys, it's still possible that you'll forget they are there! It's crucial to have an emergency plan in case this occurs. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
It is a good idea to have a spare set of keys in case you are someone who loses their car keys often. These are easy to store and cheap, and will save you a great deal of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have security features that make it difficult to lock yourself out. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or consider upgrading your car to one with it.
While there are many ways to get your car keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the kind of key you have and how it was lost. If you own a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, locksmiths can replace it. If you own a smart key however, it could be a much more involved procedure. The dealer must run the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get a replacement key for you, which may take several days.
Most car rental companies do not keep spare keys in their facilities, but will help you resolve the issue. Hertz, for example offers the option of losing keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. The service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside coverage.
If you can't get assistance from your rental company or not having an emergency roadside service plan with them you'll need to contact locksmiths or a towing service. Both will allow you to get back in your car and back on the road, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study each option before selecting a provider, and to keep the contact information for both on hand in case you need them. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means putting them in the same spot every time and not putting them in the pocket of your coat or on top of your car when parking.
4. Call an Repair Shop
It's best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car keys or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Today, this can be a major issue. The good part is that if smart about it, getting an extra car key isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it was in the past.
You'll first need to determine the type of key your vehicle is using. need a spare key for my car that are traditional with mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are simple to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost between $10 to $12. The majority of modern cars come with keys that have security chips built in. These keys must be programmed to unlock doors or to start the vehicle. Finding an alternative key can cost upwards of $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealership however the process is complex and requires special equipment. A locksmith might also be able to perform this procedure however it is important to find a locksmith who has the necessary skills and experience.
Another option is to visit an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone where a staff member will take a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that matches the original's cuts. The only drawback is that you won't be allowed to drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If you'd like to test this method out, you will need your driver's licence and proof of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code needed to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by getting a new key and then trying to reset it yourself. The instructions are available in the owner's guide or on the internet.