How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be quite stressful. Luckily, there are a variety of methods to replace them.
First, try to locate them yourself. Take a look in your bags and pockets and walk around the house.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership before visiting a dealership or locksmith. This could be your vehicle's registration or title. 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 expensive and stressful. While it's not as easy as it once was to find an extra car key, there are many ways you can still obtain one.
The simplest way to obtain a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships maintain records of security information for each vehicle and will be able to locate yours in their system. They will however need to make the key for you and connect it to your vehicle. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealer and model of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith make you the standard key. This is cheaper than visiting a dealership in particular if your car is older and doesn't come with an advanced key. Check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership for details on how to pay.
Today's vehicles use a sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a conventional key. The keys are equipped with transponders that communicate with the vehicle's system in order to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they'll need to be linked to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs by the end of the lease. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare and ensure you have it when your lease is up.
It's more expensive to get a spare key, however it's still worthwhile if you want to save yourself from stress and costly repairs in the near future. It's always better to be prepared in case you face 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 should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing keys to your car can be an absolute pain in the neck. When you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on the way home from work it can be extremely painful to discover that you've left your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are a few options to get your keys replaced without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have a traditional key, like a regular double-edged car key, you can go to a local hardware store and purchase a replacement key for less than $10. However, you will have to provide proof of ownership, like the registration of your vehicle or title. It might be more difficult to replace a key which is more technologically advanced, such as an intelligent key or remote fob. You may need to call your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key created for you.
The majority of modern vehicles have a transponder key that needs to be programmed using the vehicle's computer. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, however it is more expensive than replacing the standard key. You can also try to reset your key following the directions in your owner's manual, however, this is laborious and time-consuming, and it isn't always successful.
By having a designated place to store your keys, you will reduce the chance of them being lost. You can put the bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. You can always keep a key ring close to you so you know where your keys will be. It is also a good idea to tidy up your home or office because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Just remember that even if you're not prone to losing your keys, it's possible that you'll lose them! It's crucial to have an emergency plan in case this occurs. It's better to be prepared than be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who regularly loses your car keys it is a good idea to get an extra. They're easy to store and are inexpensive and can save you a lot of stress in future. Many newer cars come with security features which make it much more difficult to get locked out of the vehicle. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or consider upgrading your car to one with it.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car keys however the exact procedure will differ based on the type of key and the manner in which it was lost. For example, if you have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths is likely to be able replace it with ease. If you own a smart key however, this could be a more complex process. The dealer will have to examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which may take several days.
Car rental companies generally don't keep spare keys on site, but they will often work with you to get the issue resolved. Hertz, for example offers a lost key service as part of its roadside assistance plan. The service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside insurance.
If you are unable to receive assistance from your rental provider, or if you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan in place then you'll have to call locksmiths or a towing service. Both will allow you to get back in your car and back on the roads, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It's important that you look into both options and keep the contact details of both companies at hand in case of need. Also, make sure you avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same place every time, and not leaving them in your pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when you're parking.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
It is best to prepare if you lose your keys. It wasn't so long ago that losing your keys was an inconvenience, but nowadays it can actually be a big problem. If you're intelligent, it's not nearly as difficult or expensive to purchase a spare key like it was.
First, you'll need to identify the type of key your vehicle uses. spare car keys , with just an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are usually easy to replace. A simple key without a chip will cost around $10-$12. The most recent vehicles come with keys with security chips in that must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Keys replacement for these vehicles could cost up to $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealer however, the process is complex and requires special equipment. This procedure is also attainable by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they have the right tools and experience.
Another option is to visit an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone, where an associate 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 able to drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you'd like to test this method out, you will need your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents in order to find the code needed to pair your key with your car.
You can also save on the programming costs by having a new key cut and then trying to reset it yourself. 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, make and model) key" online.