How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be quite stressful. Luckily, there are several methods to replace them.
The first step is to locate them yourself. Examine your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Before you visit the locksmith or dealership, make sure to have proof of ownership such as your car registration or title. This will help you save 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. There are still a variety of ways to obtain an extra key for your car, although it's not as simple as it was in the past.
The easiest way to get a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships maintain records of security information for every vehicle and will be able to locate yours in their system. They will however require a key for you, and join it to your car. The cost can range from $200 and $500 depending on where you live and the dealership you select and the model of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also create you a standard-sized key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially in the case of an older car which doesn't come with an advanced key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, car-insurance policy or auto club membership to see whether they'll cover an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today use an expensive, sophisticated key that is difficult to replace. The keys are equipped with transponders that communicate with the system of the vehicle to allow you to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it needs to be paired back to your vehicle, which can only be done at the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at the end of the lease. It is crucial to have a second set of keys and key fobs just in case this occurs.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past, but it's still worth it to prevent the stress and costly repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared in case you face a problem so make sure you keep a spare key in a secure location and be aware of what to do in the event that you lose your car keys.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's no secret losing your keys to your car is a hassle. It can be very frustrating to discover that you've forgotten the spare car key in the backseat of your vehicle, whether you're at a petrol station or a grocery store just returning home from work. There are a variety of ways to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you have a conventional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you are able to go to your local hardware store and get an alternative for less than $10. You'll need to provide proof of ownership such as the registration or title for your vehicle. It could be more difficult to replace a key that is more advanced in technology, such as a smart key or a remote fob. You may need to call your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a new key created for you.
The majority of modern vehicles have a transponder key that needs to be programmed using the computer in the vehicle. A locksmith can assist you with this, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can also reset your key following the steps in your owner's manual, however, this is difficult and time-consuming, and it won't always work.
By having a designated place to keep your keys, you will reduce the chance of them being lost. You can hang a key holder near your door, or put them in an empty bowl on tables. You can also keep a key ring on you at all times, so you are always aware of where your keys are. You can also try to declutter your office or home since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Keep in mind that even if the keys aren't lost, you might lose them. In case of an emergency, it's crucial to create a backup plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
It is a good idea to keep an extra set of keys in case you are someone who loses car keys frequently. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to keep on hand, and they will help you avoid a lot of anxiety in the future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it harder to get locked out of the vehicle. This feature is available in the brand new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your car.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car key however the exact procedure will vary depending on the type of key and the way it was lost. If you have a conventional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you have a digital key, however, this can be a more complex process. The dealer will need to run the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get a replacement key for you, which may take several days.
Most car rental companies don't keep spare keys on-site however they will assist you in resolving the issue. Hertz, for example, does offer the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. However, this service isn't available when you don't purchase additional roadside protection coverage.
If your rental company is unable to assist you, or if you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to call an towing service or locksmith. Both will allow you to get back in your car and back on the road, but each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research both options before choosing the best one, and to keep the contact details for both on hand in case you need them. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you put them in the same place every time, and not putting them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when you're parking.
4. Call an Repair Shop
If you lose your car keys, it's always better to have a strategy for getting back in the vehicle. It wasn't long ago that losing your key was just an inconvenience, but nowadays it's an issue. If you're clever, it's not as difficult or expensive to find a spare key as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll have to identify the type of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are simple to replace. A standard key without chip costs between $10 and $12. The majority of modern cars have keys with security chips in. These keys must be programmed to unlock doors or start the car. Getting the keys replaced can cost upwards of $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. This process can also be performed by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they are equipped with the proper tools and know-how.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop, such as AutoZone, where an associate will pick up a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. The only downside is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you're considering trying this method, ensure you bring the working key along with your 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 pair a key with your car.
You can also save money on the programming costs by having an entirely new key cut, then trying to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Or, you can look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.