How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are a variety of ways you can replace them.
First, try to locate them yourself. Check your bags and pockets and walk around the home.
Before you go to the dealership or a locksmith, make sure to have evidence of ownership like your car registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's a good idea to have a spare key for your car since losing them can be expensive and stressful. There are still several ways to get a spare key for your car, it's not as straightforward as it was in the past.
Contacting the dealership is the quickest method to get a spare key. Dealerships keep track of the security details for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their system. They will have to make you a key, and then pair it with your car. The cost can range from $200 to $500, based on the location you live in and the dealership you choose, and the make of your car.
spare key fob can also make you keys of standard size. This is a much cheaper alternative to going to the dealer, particularly if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have an advanced key. You should check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you can pay.
Most of today's cars utilize a high-tech key, which is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. They have transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be paired back to your vehicle and this is only possible at the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer may require you to turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease is up. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare key and make sure you have it before your lease ends.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it used to be but it's worth it to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It is best to be prepared for any situation. Keep the spare key in a secure location and know what you need to do in the event that your keys ever get lost.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your keys to your car is a hassle. When you're at the gas station, the grocery store or on your return from work, it can be very difficult to realize that you have left your spare key in the back of your car! Luckily, there are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have an old key like a double-edged type you can purchase a new one from your local hardware store for less than $10. But, you'll require proof of ownership, like the registration of your vehicle or the title. It could be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced, such as a smart key or remote fob. You might have to contact an individual locksmith or the manufacturer to have an entirely new key.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that have to be programmed with the car's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, however it is more expensive than replacing a standard key. You can reset your key by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this could be lengthy and complicated and might not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you can reduce the chances of them getting lost. You can hang a key holder close to your door, or put them in an empty bowl on tables. You can also keep a key ring around you at all times so that you always know where your keys are. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office since a messy home can make it more likely that you will lose things. Remember that even if your keys aren't lost, you might forget them. It's crucial to have an emergency plan in case this occurs. It's always better to be prepared than stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
It is a good idea to keep a spare set of keys if are someone who loses car keys frequently. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to keep around and can help you avoid a lot of anxiety in the near future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it more difficult to get locked out of the vehicle. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about upgrading your vehicle to one that has it.
There are many ways to replace your car keys but the details will vary depending on the type of key you have and how it was misplaced. For example, if you have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it quickly. If you have a smart key, however, this can be a much more involved procedure. The dealer will have to verify your VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which could take several weeks.
The majority of car rental firms do not keep spare keys on-site however, they will help you resolve the problem. Hertz, for example offers a lost key service as part of 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 provider isn't able to help you, or you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, your next option is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both can help you get back to your vehicle and on the road, but each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It is important to study the options before settling on a service, and also to keep the contact information for both on hand in case you ever require them. Don't lose your keys by every means. This means that you put them in the same spot each time and not putting them in the pocket of your coat or on top of your car when parking.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to have a plan to return inside the vehicle. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Today, this can be a major issue. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting a spare car key is not nearly as hard and costly as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need to determine the kind of key your vehicle has. Keys made of traditional design, which have an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are typically simple to replace. A basic key with no chip can cost between $10 and $12. But, newer cars use keys with built-in security chips that need to be reprogrammed by the car to open the doors or start it. Keys replacement for these vehicles can cost up to $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at a local dealership however the process is complicated and requires special equipment. This service can also be performed by a locksmith, but you should make sure that they are equipped with the proper equipment and expertise.
Another option is to go to an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone where a staff member will pick up a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that matches the original's cut. The only downside is that you won't be allowed to drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you'd like to try this method out you'll require your driver's license as well as proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to determine 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. You can find the instructions in the owner's guide or on the internet.