How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are a variety of ways to replace keys.
First, try to locate them yourself. Check your pockets, bags and the entire house.
Before visiting the dealership or locksmith be sure to bring evidence of ownership like your registration number or title for your vehicle. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
The idea of having a spare car key is a great idea, since losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. There are still a variety of ways to get an extra key for your car, even though it's not as easy as it was before.
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 keys in their system. They will have to make you a key and pair it to your car. This can cost anywhere between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealership and make of your car.
Another option is to have a locksmith design you an ordinary key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly in the case of an older car which doesn't come with an advanced key. Make sure to check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership for details on how to pay.
The majority of cars today use an expensive, sophisticated key that is difficult to replace. The keys are equipped with transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's systems to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be connected to your vehicle and this can only be done at the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your car is on lease, the dealer may require you to surrender two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease expires. If this is the case, you need to have a spare key and ensure that you have it before your lease expires.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it used to be but it's worth it to avoid the stress and costly repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared before you face a problem so make sure you keep your spare keys in a secure location and know what to do if you ever lose your car keys.
2. Call a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your car keys can be an enormous pain in the neck. It can be very frustrating to discover that you left your spare car key in the backseat of your vehicle, no matter if you're at a petrol station, grocery store, or on your way home after work. Luckily, there are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay for the locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old key such as a double-edged key, you can get an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership such as the registration or title of your vehicle. If you have a technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or a smart key, it may be harder to replace. You might need to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key made for you.
Transponder keys are used in most modern automobiles. They must be programmed into the computer of the vehicle. Locksmiths can help you do this however, it's more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can reset your key by following the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be lengthy and complicated and might not always work.
You can lower the risk of losing your keys by having a designated location to store keys. You can put an empty bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. You can keep a key ring on your person at all times to ensure that you know where your keys are. You can also attempt to organize your home or office, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if not someone who loses your keys, it's possible that you could lose them! In the event of an emergency, it's important to prepare an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared than stranded on the side of the road!
3. Contact a Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who regularly loses your car keys, it's a good idea to get a spare. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep in your car and will save you lots of anxiety in the near future. A lot of newer cars have security features that make it harder to lock yourself out. This feature is available in the latest Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your vehicle.
There are a variety of ways to get your car key replaced, the exact procedure will depend on what type of key you have and how it was lost. If you own a traditional key that is not digitally programmed, locksmiths can replace it. If you have a digital key however, it could be a much more involved procedure. The dealer will have to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key for you and it could take several days.
Car rental companies usually don't keep spare keys on their premises however, they'll usually assist you in getting the issue resolved. Hertz provides a lost-key service as part its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is only available if you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company can't help you, or you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, the next option is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both will get you back into your vehicle and on the road but each comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to look into each option and keep the contact information of both providers on hand just in case. Avoid losing your keys by all means. This means putting them in the same place every time, and not leaving them in the pocket of your coat or on top of your car when parking.
4. Call a Repair Shop
When you lose your car keys, it's always better to have a strategy for how to get back in your vehicle. It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but today it can actually be a big problem. The good part is that if smart about it, getting an extra car key isn't as difficult and costly as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll need to identify the kind of key your vehicle has. Keys that are traditional, having the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder are typically simple to replace. A standard key without chip can cost between $10 to $12. However, modern cars use keys with built-in security chips that must be reprogrammed by the car to open the doors or start it. spare key maker for cars for these cars can cost up to $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires special equipment. A locksmith may also be able perform this procedure, but it's important to find one who has the proper skills and experience.
Another option is to go to a key cutting shop like 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 able to drive the vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you'd like try this method you'll require your driver's license as well as evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code required to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also lower the cost of programming by purchasing a new key made and then attempting to reset it yourself. The instructions are available in the owner's manual or online.