How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be quite stressful. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to replace them.
First, try to find them yourself. Check get spare key made and pockets and walk around the house.
Before you visit the locksmith or dealership be sure to bring proof of ownership such as your vehicle registration or title. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys can be very costly and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it once was to find an extra car key there are a variety of ways to find one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest method to obtain a replacement key. Dealerships keep a record of security information for every vehicle and can locate your car key quickly within their database. They will need to create you a key, and then pair it to your car. It could cost between $200 and $500 based on your location, the dealership you use and the model of your car.
A locksmith can also make you keys of standard size. This is cheaper than going to the dealership, especially if your car is older and doesn't come with an advanced key. Check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership to see if you can pay.
Most of today's cars have a more 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 have to be linked to your vehicle. This is only possible through the dealership.
It is important to note that if your vehicle is on 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 a second set of keys and key fobs in the event that this happens.
It's more expensive to get an extra key, but it's worthwhile if you want to avoid the hassle of costly repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared prior to when you encounter a problem, so make sure to keep a spare key in a secure location and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be an absolute discomfort to the neck. If you're at a gas station, grocery store or on your way home 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 auto dealer or locksmith.
If you have an old key like a double-edged one you can purchase a new one from your local hardware store for less than $10. You'll need to provide proof of ownership such as the registration or title of your vehicle. It could be more difficult to replace a key that's more advanced in technology like a smart key or a remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a replacement made for you.
Transponder keys are utilized in most modern vehicles. These keys must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. Locksmiths can do this for you, but it will be more expensive than replacing an old key. You could also try to reset your key following the directions in the owner's manual however, this is difficult and time-consuming, and will not always work.
If you have a designated area to keep your keys, you can lower the risk of them getting lost. You can put a bowl or a key holder on a table close to your door. You can always keep a key ring around with you to know where your keys will be. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office because a messy area could increase the likelihood that you will lose things. Just remember that even if you are not the type to lose your keys, it's possible to forget they are there! In the event of an emergency, it's essential to create a backup plan. It's always better to be prepared than being stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call a Towing Service
It is a good idea to have an extra set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys frequently. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep on hand, and they will save you a lot of stress in the future. Many of the latest cars come with security features which make it much more difficult to be locked out of the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or think about upgrading your car to one with it.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the kind of key you have and the way it was lost. For instance, if you have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, a locksmith should be able to replace it with ease. If you have a digital key however, it could be a much more involved procedure. The dealer will have to run your VIN and provide proof ownership to get you a replacement key, which could take up to a few weeks.
Car rental companies usually don't keep spare keys in their facilities However, they'll often collaborate with you to get the issue resolved. Hertz, for example, does offer a lost key service as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is not offered if you do not purchase additional roadside insurance.
If you can't get assistance from your rental company or if you don't have an emergency roadside service plan with them then you'll have to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both will help you get back into your vehicle and back on the road however each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is essential to research both options and keep contact details of both companies at hand in case of need. Avoid losing your keys by every means. This means that you must always keep them in the same place.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead if you lose your keys. It wasn't that long ago that losing your key was just an inconvenience, but now it's often a big problem. If you're clever, it's not as expensive or difficult to get a spare key like it once was.
You'll first need to identify the type of key your vehicle uses. Keys made of traditional design, which have an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder are generally simple to replace. A basic key with no chip is priced between $10 and $12. The majority of modern cars have keys with security chips built into them that need to be programmed to unlock doors or to start the vehicle. Finding a replacement for these keys can cost upwards of $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. A locksmith might also be able perform this task however it is important to find one who has the necessary skills and experience.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone is also a possibility. An associate will trace the contours of the working key. 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 will not be able to drive the vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you'd like to try this method out you'll require a driver's license and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code required to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also lower the cost of programming by having a new key and then trying to reset it on your own. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Or, you can simply look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.