How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are several ways you can replace keys.
Find them first by yourself. Check your pockets, bags and even the whole house.
Before you go to the locksmith or dealership be sure to bring proof of ownership such as your vehicle registration or title. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing to have a spare key for your car since losing them could be costly and stressful. There are many methods to obtain an extra key for your vehicle, even though it's not as easy as it was in the past.
The simplest way to obtain a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships have a record of the security information for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their database. They will have to make you a key, and then pair it to your car. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealership and model of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith create you a standard key. This can be cheaper than going to the dealer in particular if your car is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, car insurance policy, or auto club membership to determine whether they'll pay for the replacement of your key fob.
The majority of cars today utilize an expensive, sophisticated key that is extremely difficult to replace. These keys have transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be paired back to your vehicle, which can only be done at the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer may ask you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at the expiration of the lease. replacing car keys without spare is crucial to have a second set of keys and key fobs just in case this occurs.
It's more costly to buy a spare key, but it's worth it if you wish to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared prior to when you encounter a problem, so make sure to keep a spare in an area that is secure and know what to do if you ever lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing car keys can be an enormous pain in the neck. If you're at a gas station, the grocery store, or on the way home from work, it can be very frustrating to realize that you've left your spare key in the back of your car! There are many ways to replace your keys without paying an auto dealer or locksmith.
If you have an old lock, like a double-edged one, you can get a new one from your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle. If you have a technologically advanced key, like a remote fob or a smart key, it could be harder to replace. You may have to call a local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key made.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that need to be programmed by the car's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, however it will cost more than replacing a standard key. You can also reset your key by following the directions in the owner's manual however, it can be laborious and time-consuming, and will not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can put a bowl or a key holder on a table next to your door. You can keep a key ring around you at all times so you are always aware of where your keys are. You can also try to organize your office or home because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Keep in mind that even if the keys aren't lost, you could lose them. It's crucial to have an emergency plan in case this happens. It's better to be prepared than be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who frequently loses your car keys It's recommended to purchase a spare. They are relatively inexpensive and simple to keep around and will save you lots of anxiety in the future. Many newer vehicles have security features that make it harder to lock yourself out. This feature is available in the brand new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your vehicle.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the type of key you own and how it was lost. For instance, if have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, a locksmith 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 ownership to get you an alternative key, which can take a few weeks.
Most car rental companies don't keep spare keys on-site, but will help you resolve the problem. Hertz offers a lost-key service as part its premium roadside support plan. However this service isn't provided in the event that you don't buy additional roadside protection coverage.
If your rental provider isn't able to help you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, your next option is to call a towing service or locksmith. Both will help you get back in your car and back on the roads, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research each option before selecting the best one, and to keep the contact details for both on hand in case you need them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same spot every time, and not putting them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when parking.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead when you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, this could be a major problem. The good part is that if aware of it, getting a spare car key isn't as difficult and expensive as it was in the past.
You'll first need to determine the type of key that your vehicle uses. Keys that are traditional with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key without chip costs between $10 to $12. However, more recent cars use keys with built-in security chips that need to be programmed into the car in order to open the doors or start it. Finding a replacement for these keys can cost upwards of $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at a local dealership however, the process is complex and requires specialized equipment. This service can also be performed by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the appropriate tools and experience.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be utilized. A worker will trace the contours of the working key. This way, they'll be able to cut the new key to match the original key's cuts. The only drawback is that you won't be able to drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you're interested in trying this method, ensure you bring the actual working key along with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A dealer or locksmith will be able to decode the VIN on these documents to locate the code required to pair your key with your car.
You can also save money on the cost of programming by having a the key cut from a new one and then attempting 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 search for "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.