How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. Luckily, there are several methods to replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Check your pockets, bags and the entire home.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership prior to visiting a dealer or a locksmith. This could be your car's registration or title. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a good idea, since losing your car keys could be a huge financial burden and stressful. While it's not as easy as it was in the past to obtain a spare car key, there are a variety of ways to still get one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest method to obtain a replacement key. Dealerships maintain records of security information for every vehicle and are able to quickly locate your keys in their system. They will however have to create the key for you as well as connect it to your vehicle. The cost can range from $200 and $500 based on the location you live in and the dealership you select and the model of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you an ordinary key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, especially in the case of an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. You should check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you can pay.
The majority of cars today utilize a high-tech key that is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. These keys have a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be paired with your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at the expiration of the lease. If this is the case, you need to have a spare key and ensure you have it when your lease is up.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it used to be but it's worth it to prevent stress and expensive repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared in case you face a problem so make sure to keep your spare keys in an area that is secure and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be a real pain in the neck. It can be frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car key in the backseat of your vehicle, whether you're at a petrol station, grocery store, or returning home from work. There are many ways to replace your keys, without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you own a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can usually go to your local hardware store and purchase a replacement for less than $10. However, you'll have to provide evidence of ownership, such as the registration of your vehicle or the title. It may be more difficult to replace a key which is more technologically advanced like an intelligent key or remote fob. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key made for you.
Most modern vehicles utilize transponder keys that have to be programmed by the car's computer. Locksmiths can help you do this, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing an old key. You can reset your key by following the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and difficult, and may not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can hang a key holder near your door or put them in a bowl on a table. You can keep a key ring with your person at all times to ensure that you know where your keys are. You can also try to tidy up your home or office, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Keep in mind that even if the keys are never lost, you might lose them. It's essential to have a backup plan in case this happens. It's better to be prepared than be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Contact locked key in car no spare Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who frequently loses your car keys, it's an excellent idea to have a spare. They are relatively inexpensive and simple to keep on hand and will save you lots of anxiety in the near future. A lot of newer cars have security features which make it much more difficult to gain access to the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about upgrading your vehicle to one with this feature.
While there are many ways to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on what type of key you have and the way it was lost. If you have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you have a smart key, however, this can be a much more involved procedure. The dealer will need to check your VIN and provide proof ownership for an alternative key, which could take several weeks.
Car rental companies usually do not keep spare keys on site, but they will often collaborate with you to get the issue resolved. Hertz provides a lost-key service as part its premium roadside assistance plan. However the service isn't offered in the event that you don't buy additional roadside protection coverage.
If your rental company is unable to assist you, or you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, the next step is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both of them can help you get back into your vehicle and back on the road, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is essential to research both options before choosing the best one, and to keep the contact information for both on hand in case you need them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means you should always keep them in the same place.
4. Call an Repair Shop
If you've lost your keys to your car, it's best to have a plan to return inside the vehicle. In the past, losing your car keys or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Nowadays, this could be a major problem. The good news is that if you're smart about it, getting an extra car key isn't nearly as difficult and costly as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need to determine the kind of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are easy to replace. A standard key without chip costs between $10 to $12. Most recent cars have keys with security chips in that must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or to start the vehicle. Keys replacement for these vehicles can cost up to $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer, but the process is complex and requires specialized equipment. This process can also be done by a locksmith, however you should make sure that they have the right tools and know-how.
A key cutting shop such as AutoZone is also a possibility. An associate will trace the contours of a working key. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that matches the original's cuts. The only drawback is that you will not be able to drive the vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like 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 find the code that's needed to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by purchasing an entirely new key created and then trying to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Or, you can simply look up "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.