How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be quite stressful. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Check all your bags and pockets, and look around the home.
Before visiting the dealership or locksmith ensure that you have evidence of ownership, such as your car registration or title. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing 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 an extra key for your car, even it's not as straightforward as before.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep track of security information for every vehicle and can find yours quickly in their system. get a spare car key will however have to create the key for you as well as pair it with your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $500 based on where you live and the dealership you choose, and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you an ordinary key. This is less expensive than going to the dealership in particular if your car is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. You should check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership for payment.
The majority of cars today have an expensive, sophisticated key that is difficult to replace. These keys have a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be paired with your vehicle, which is only possible at the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at end of the lease. If this is the case, you need to have a spare and ensure that you have it before the lease expires.
It's more expensive to purchase a spare key, but it's still worth it if you wish 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 ensure you keep a spare key in a secure location and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing car keys can be a nightmare. It can be very frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car keys in the backseat of your car, whether you're at a petrol station, grocery store, or just returning home from work. There are several ways to replace your keys without paying an expensive locksmith or dealership.
If you own a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can usually go to your local hardware store and get an alternative for less than $10. However, you will have to provide proof of ownership, like the registration of your vehicle or the title. If you have a more technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or smart key, it could be harder to replace. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or even the manufacturer to have a new key created for you.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that need to be programmed using the vehicle's computer. Locksmiths can help you do this, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing the traditional key. You can also reset your key using the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be lengthy and complicated and might not always work.
If you have a designated spot to keep your keys, you can lower the risk of them being lost. You can hang a key holder near your door or place them in the form of a bowl on a table. You can also keep a key ring with your person at all times to ensure you are always aware of where your keys are. You can also attempt to tidy up your home or office, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Remember that even if your keys are never lost, you may forget them. In the event of an emergency, it's important to create an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than being stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call for a Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who is constantly losing your car keys, it's recommended to purchase an extra. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep in your car, and they will save you lots of anxiety in the future. Many of the latest vehicles come with security features that make it more difficult to lock yourself out. This feature is available in the new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your car.
While there are many ways to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on the type of key you own and how it was lost. For instance, if have a traditional key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it easily. A smart key can make the process more difficult. The dealer must run your VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which could take several weeks.
Most car rental companies don't keep spare keys in their facilities however they will help you resolve the issue. 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 insurance.
If your rental company is unable to help you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to call a locksmith or towing service. Both can allow you to get back to your vehicle and on the roads, but they each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It is important to study each option and keep the contact details of both providers on hand just in case. Don't lose your keys by all means. This means that you must always put them in the same location.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but nowadays it's a big problem. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting an extra car key isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need identify the type of key your vehicle has. The keys that have 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. But, newer cars have keys that come with security chips that need to be reprogrammed by the car to open the doors or start it. Getting the keys replaced can cost as much as $200.
These chips can be programmed at a local dealership however the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. This process is also attainable by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the appropriate tools and experience.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone is also a possibility. A worker will trace the contours of a working key. This will allow them to cut a new key that matches the original key's cuts. The only drawback is that you will not be able drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you're interested in trying this method, ensure you have the original working key along with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN on these documents to locate the code required to pair your key with your car.
You can also save money on the cost of programming by having a an entirely new key cut, then trying to reset it yourself. The instructions are available in the owner's manual or online.