How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be quite stressful. There are a variety of ways you can replace them.
First, try to locate them yourself. Check your pockets, bags and even the whole house.
Before visiting the dealership or a locksmith be sure to bring evidence of ownership like your registration number or title for your vehicle. 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 costly and stressful. There are still a variety of methods to obtain an extra key for your car, though it's not as easy as it was in the past.
Contacting the dealership is the quickest method to obtain a replacement key. Dealerships have a record of security information for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their system. They will however require a key for you as well as pair it with your vehicle. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealership and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you the standard key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly if you have an older vehicle which doesn't come with an advanced key. Make sure to check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership for payment.
The majority of cars today utilize keys that are sophisticated and expensive that is difficult to replace. The keys are equipped with a transponder that communicates with the system of the vehicle for unlocking and start the car. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be paired back to your vehicle, which is only possible at the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your vehicle is under lease, the dealer might have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs when the lease is up. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare and ensure you have it when your lease ends.
It's more expensive to purchase an extra key, but it's worth it if you want to avoid stress and costly repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared prior to when you encounter a problem, so make sure you keep a spare in a secure location and be aware of what to do in the event that you lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys can be a nightmare. If you're at a gas station, at the grocery store, or on your way home from work, it can be very frustrating to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back of your car! There are a few options to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or dealership.
If you have a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you are able to go to a local hardware store and get a replacement for less than $10. However, you'll have to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. It might be more difficult to replace a key that's more advanced in technology like a smart key or remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith or even the manufacturer to have a new one designed for you.
Transponder keys are found in a majority of modern automobiles. They must be programmed into the computer of the vehicle. Locksmiths can assist you with this, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing an old key. You can also try to reset your key following the instructions in the owner's manual but this can be lengthy and time-consuming, and it will not always work.
By having a designated place to store your keys you can lower the risk of them being lost. auto key spares can place the bowl or key holder on a table near your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring with you so you can know where your keys are going to be. You can also attempt to organize your home or office since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Just remember that even if you are not the type to lose your keys, it's possible that you'll lose the keys! It's important to have an emergency plan in case this occurs. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
It is a good idea to have a spare set of keys in case you have a problem with losing your car keys often. They are simple to store and cheap and will spare you a lot of stress in the future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it more difficult to gain access to the vehicle. You can find this feature in the brand new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your vehicle.
There are a variety of ways to get your car keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on what type of key you have and the way it was lost. For instance, if have a traditional key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it easily. If you have a smart key, however, this can be a more complicated process. The dealer will need to run your VIN and provide proof of ownership to get you a new key, which could take a few weeks.
The majority of car rental firms do not keep spare keys on-site however they will work with you to resolve the issue. Hertz for instance, does offer a lost key service as part of its roadside assistance plan. However this service isn't provided when you don't purchase additional roadside protection coverage.
If you are unable to get help from your rental provider, or not having an emergency roadside service plan with them then you'll have to call locksmiths or a towing service. Both will help you get back to your vehicle and on the road, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research each option before selecting a service, and also to store the contact information for both on hand in case you ever need them. Also, make sure you avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means you should always keep them in the same location.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to have a plan for how to get back in the vehicle. It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but today it's a big problem. The good part is that if aware of it, getting a spare car key isn't as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
The first thing you'll have to identify the kind of key your vehicle has. The keys that have an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip is priced between $10 and $12. But, newer cars use keys with built-in security chips that need to be programmed into the car in order to unlock the doors or start it. Finding the keys replaced can cost upwards of $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealership, but the process is a bit complicated and requires special equipment. This procedure can also be performed by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they are equipped with the proper tools and experience.
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 be able cut a key that matches the original's cuts. The only downside is that you will not be able drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you're interested in trying this method, ensure you have the original working key together with your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN on these documents to determine the key code needed to connect a key to your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by getting a new key made 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.