How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be quite stressful. There are several ways you can replace keys.
The first step is to locate them yourself. Examine your bags, pockets and the entire home.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership before you visit a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle's registration or title. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great idea, since losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it once was to find a spare car key, there are a variety of ways to obtain one.
The easiest method to obtain a spare key for car cost car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of the security information for every vehicle and can locate your key quickly in their database. However, they'll require a key for you and join it to your car. The cost can range from $200 and $500 depending on the location you live in and the dealership you select, and the make spare car key 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 when you own an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, car insurance policy or auto club membership to determine if they will pay for the replacement of your key fob.
The majority of cars today have an expensive, sophisticated key that is difficult to replace. The keys are equipped with a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's systems to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart key, it needs to be paired back to your vehicle which can only be done at the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your vehicle is under 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 important to have a spare key for car and ensure you have it before the lease ends.
It's more expensive to get a spare key, but it's still worthwhile if you want to avoid the hassle of expensive repairs in the future. It's 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 are ever lost.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing car keys can be a nightmare. Whether you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on the way home from work, it can be very frustrating to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys, without having to pay an auto dealer or locksmith.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged type you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show evidence of ownership, like the registration or title for your vehicle. It might be more difficult to replace a key which is more advanced in technology like a smart key or a remote fob. You might have to contact an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to get a new key made.
Most modern vehicles utilize a transponder key that needs to be programmed with the computer in the vehicle. Locksmiths can assist you with this however, it's more expensive than replacing an old key. You can also reset your key using the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and complex and might not always work.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys in the first place by having a designated place to put them. You can hang a key holder by your door or put them in the form of a bowl on a table. You can also keep a key ring with you at all times so you are always aware of where your keys are. You can also try to declutter your home or office since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Keep in mind that even if the keys are never lost, you could forget them. It's important to have an emergency plan in case this happens. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact for a Towing Service
It's a good idea to have an extra set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys lost no spare keys often. They are simple to store and affordable and can save you a great deal of stress in future. Many newer vehicles have security features that make it more difficult to lock yourself out. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or consider changing your vehicle to one with this feature.
There are a variety of ways to get your car key replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the type of key you own and how it was lost. For instance, if have a traditional key that isn't digitally programmed, a locksmith should be able to replace it quickly. A smart key could make the process more complicated. The dealer will have to check your VIN and provide proof ownership to get you a replacement key, which could take several weeks.
The majority of car rental companies don't keep Spare key for cars keys on their premises however, they will help you resolve the problem. Hertz for instance offers a lost key service as part of its roadside assistance plan. However this service isn't provided if you don't purchase additional roadside protection coverage.
If you are unable to get assistance from your rental provider, or not having an emergency roadside assistance plan with them you'll need to contact locksmiths or a towing service. Both will get you back into your car and on the road but each comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages. It's important that you study each option and keep the contact details of both providers at hand in case of need. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same place 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 getting back in the vehicle. It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but today it's an issue. The good thing is that if you're smart about it, getting the spare car key you need isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll have to do is determine what kind of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are easy to replace. A simple key without a chip is priced between $10 and $12. However, modern automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that need to be reprogrammed to the car to unlock the doors or start it. Keys replacement for these cars can cost as much as $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at a local dealership, but the process is complex and requires special equipment. This process can also be performed by a locksmith, but you should make sure that they have the appropriate tools and know-how.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone can also be utilized. A staff member will trace the contours of the working key. 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 downside is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you want to try this method, make sure you have the original working key together with your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith will be able to decode the VIN on these documents to locate the code required to connect a key to your car.
You can also save money on the cost of programming by having a a new key cut and then attempting to reset it yourself. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual or online.