10 Tips For Quickly Getting Spare Key For Car
How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a very stressful experience. Luckily, there are several ways to replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Check your bags and pockets and then look around the house.
Before visiting the dealership or locksmith, make sure to have evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle registration or title. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car keys cut car key is a good option, since losing your car keys could be a huge financial burden and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it was in the past to get a spare car key, there are a variety of ways to still find one.
The simplest way to obtain a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of security information for each vehicle and will be able to locate your key in their database. However, they'll require a key for you, and pair it with your vehicle. The cost can range from $200 and $500 based on the location you live in and the dealership you select, and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you the standard key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, especially if you have an older car that doesn't have an advanced key. Check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership for payment.
Most of today's cars utilize a high-tech key, which is much more expensive to replace than a traditional key. They have a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be connected to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, the dealer may ask you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at the end of the lease. It is important to have a spare set of keys and key fobs just in case this occurs.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worthwhile to avoid the stress and costly repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared prior to when you have a problem, so make sure to keep a spare key in an area that is secure and be aware of what to do in the event that you ever lose your car keys.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys is a pain. When you're at the gas station, grocery store, or on the way home from work it can be extremely 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 an expensive locksmith or dealership.
If you own a traditional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you can go to your local hardware store and get a replacement key for less than $10. You'll need proof of ownership like the title or registration for your vehicle. If you own a more technologically advanced key, such as an electronic remote fob or smart key, it may be more difficult to replace. You may have to call an individual locksmith or the manufacturer to get an entirely new key.
Most modern vehicles use a transponder key that needs to be programmed by the car's computer. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, however it will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key following the instructions in the owner's manual however, it can be lengthy and time-consuming, and will not always work.
You can lower the risk of losing your keys in the first place by having a specific place to put keys. You can hang a key holder by your door or put them in a bowl on the table. You can also keep a key ring on your person at all times to ensure that you always know where your keys are. You can also try to declutter your office or home, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Just remember that even if you're not the type to lose your keys, it's possible to forget the keys! It's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that this happens. It's better to be prepared rather than be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call toll-free Towing Service
It's a great idea to have an extra set of keys in case you are someone who loses car keys often. They're easy to store and are inexpensive and can save you a lot of stress in the future. Many newer cars come with safety features that make it harder to gain access to the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or consider upgrading your current vehicle to one that has it.
There are many ways to replace your car keys but the details will vary based on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. For instance, if you have a traditional key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths is likely to be able replace it easily. A smart key can make the process more difficult. The dealer will have to check your VIN and provide proof ownership to obtain an alternative key, which could take several weeks.
Car rental companies usually don't keep spare keys on site However, they'll often collaborate with you to get the problem solved. Hertz for instance offers the option of losing keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However this service isn't provided if you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If you're unable to get help from your rental company, or if you don't have an emergency roadside service plan with them then you'll have to call locksmiths or a towing service. Both of them can help you get back in your vehicle and on the road but each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. It's important that you study both options and keep contact details of both providers available in case of emergency. Avoid losing your keys by all means. This means that you put 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
If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to have a plan for how to get back in your vehicle. It wasn't that long ago that losing your key was just an inconvenience, but now it's a big problem. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting an extra car key isn't nearly as difficult and costly as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need to do is determine what kind of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key with no chip will cost around $10-$12. The most recent vehicles have keys with security chips built in. These keys must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the car. Getting an alternative key can cost as much as $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special equipment. This process is also attainable by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the right equipment and expertise.
Another option is to visit an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone where a staff member will take a working key and trace its contours. This way, they'll be able to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the cut of the original key. The only drawback is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If you're interested in trying this method, ensure you bring the actual working key together with your driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code required to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having a an entirely new key cut, then attempting to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how much is a spare key for a car to do this in their owner's manual, or you can search for "How to program a (your year model, make a spare car key and year) key" online.