How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are several ways you can replace them.
The first step is to locate them yourself. Examine your bags, pockets and the entire home.
Before visiting the dealership or a locksmith be sure to bring evidence of ownership, such as your registration number or title for your vehicle. 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. Although it's not as simple as it once was to get an extra car key, there are a variety of ways you can still obtain one.
The easiest way to get an extra car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships maintain records of security details for each vehicle and will be able to locate your keys in their system. However, they will require a key for you, and pair it with your vehicle. It could cost from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealer and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you a standard key. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially when you own an older car that doesn't have an upgraded key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to determine if they will pay for a new key fob.
The majority of cars today utilize an expensive, sophisticated key that is extremely difficult to replace. These keys contain an electronic transponder that communicates with the system of the vehicle for unlocking and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be paired with your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at the end of the lease. If this is the case, you need to have a spare set and ensure you have it before your lease is up.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worth it to prevent stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's best to be prepared for any scenario. Keep the spare key in a secure location and be aware of what you need to do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing car keys can be a nightmare. Whether you're at the gas station, grocery store or on your return from work, it can be very difficult to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys, without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you have an old lock, like a double-edged type, you can get an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. However, you will require evidence of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. If you have a technologically advanced key, like a remote fob or smart key, it may be harder to replace. It is possible to contact an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to have a new key made.
Most modern vehicles use a transponder key that needs to be programmed with the car's computer. Locksmiths can assist you with this however, it's more expensive than replacing a traditional key. You could also try to reset your key by following the directions in the owner's manual however, this is difficult and time-consuming, and isn't always successful.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys in the first place by having a specific space to keep keys. You can hang a key holder by your door or put them in an empty bowl on a table. You can always keep a key ring close to you so you can know where your keys are going to be. It is also a good idea to declutter your home or office because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if you are not the type to lose your keys, it's still possible to lose the keys! It's important to have a backup plan in the event that this occurs. It's always better to be prepared than being stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call for a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who is constantly losing your car keys it is recommended to purchase a spare. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to keep in your car and will help you avoid a lot of anxiety in the future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it harder to be locked out of the vehicle. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or consider changing your vehicle to one with this feature.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car keys however the exact procedure will differ based on the type of key and how it was misplaced. If you own a traditional key that is not digitally programmed locksmiths can replace it. A smart key can make the process more complicated. The dealer will need to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to get a replacement key and it could take some time.
The majority of car rental companies do not keep spare keys on-site however they will work with you to resolve the issue. Hertz offers a lost-key service as part its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is not offered if you do not purchase additional roadside coverage.
If you're unable to receive assistance from your rental company or in the event that you don't have an emergency roadside service plan with them then you'll have to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both can get you back into your vehicle and back on the road however each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research the options before settling on a provider, and to keep the contact information for both in case you need them. Avoid losing your keys by all means. This means placing them in the same place each time and not putting them in your pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
If you lose your car keys, it's always better to have a strategy for getting back in the vehicle. In the past, misplacing your car keys or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Nowadays, this can be a major issue. If you're intelligent, it's not nearly as expensive or difficult to purchase an extra key as it once was.
The first thing you'll need to identify the kind of key your vehicle has. Traditional keys, with just the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder, are typically simple to replace. A simple key without a chip will cost around $10-$12. However, modern automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that need to be programmed into the car in order to open the doors or start it. Getting a replacement for these keys can cost as much as $200.
The process of programming these chips is a complex process and requires special equipment. This process is also attainable by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they have the right equipment and expertise.
spare key shop near me cutting shop such as AutoZone is also a possibility. An associate will trace the contours of a working key. This will allow them to cut the new key to match the original key's cut. 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, you will require a driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN on these documents to determine the key code needed to connect a key to your car.
You can also cut down on the programming costs by having the key cut from a new one and then trying to reset it yourself. The instructions are available in the owner's guide or on the internet.