How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are many ways you can replace them.
Find them first with your own eyes. Check your pockets, bags and even the whole house.
Before you visit the locksmith or dealership, make sure to have evidence of ownership like your vehicle registration or title. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a good idea, as losing your car keys can be extremely costly and stressful. While it's not as easy as it was in the past to find an extra car key there are a variety of ways to get one.
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 database. They will however need to make the key for you and pair it with your vehicle. This can cost anywhere between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealer and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you a standard key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly when you own an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. It's also important to check your car's warranty, car-insurance policy, or auto club membership to see whether they'll pay for an entirely new key fob.
Today's vehicles use a sophisticated key that is more expensive to replace than a standard key. The keys are equipped with a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's systems to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be connected to your vehicle. This can only be 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 expiration of the lease. It is essential to have a spare keys for cars set of keys and key fobs in the event that this happens.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it used to be however it's still worth it to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared before you face a problem so make sure to keep your spare keys in a safe place and know what to do if you lose your car spare keys keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be a real pain in the neck. It can be very frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car keys in the backseat of your vehicle, whether you're at the gas station or grocery store, or just returning home from work. There are many ways to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you have an old key such as a double-edged key you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership such as the title or registration for your vehicle. It might be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced like a smart key or a remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith or even the manufacturer to have a new one made for you.
Most modern vehicles use a transponder key that needs to be programmed with the vehicle's computer. A locksmith can do this for you, but it will be more expensive than replacing the traditional key. You can also reset your key by following the steps in the owner's manual but this can be laborious and time-consuming, and won't always work.
If you have a designated spot to keep your keys, you can reduce the chances of them getting lost. You can place a bowl or a key holder on a table near your door. You can also keep a key ring with you at all times so you are always aware of where your keys are. It is also possible to tidy up your office or home because a messy area could increase the likelihood that you will lose things. Just remember that even if you are not prone to losing your keys, it's possible to lose them! It's important to have a backup plan in case this happens. It's better to be prepared than be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact a Towing Service
It's a great idea to have an extra set of keys in case you are someone who loses their car keys often. These are fairly cheap and simple to keep around, and they will save you lots of anxiety in the near future. Many of the latest cars come with security features that make it harder to gain access to the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about changing your car to one with it.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car key replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. For instance, if have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it easily. If you have a smart key however, it could be a how much is a spare key for a car more involved process. The dealer will have to verify your VIN and provide proof of ownership to get you a new key, which can take a few weeks.
Car rental companies typically do not keep spare car key cut keys in their facilities, but they will often collaborate with you to get the issue solved. Hertz, for example offers a lost key service as part of its roadside assistance plan. The service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside insurance.
If you're unable to receive assistance from your rental company or not having an emergency roadside assistance plan with them you'll need to contact a locksmith or a towing service. Both can help you get back in your car and on the road, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to study each option before selecting a provider, and to store the contact information for both in case you ever require them. Avoid losing your keys by all means. This means that you put them in the same place every time and not leaving them in your pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
It's best to plan ahead when you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car keys or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, this can be a major problem. The good news is that if you're smart about it, getting the spare key for car car key you need isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need to identify the type of key your vehicle has. Traditional keys, with just the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder, are typically simple to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost between $10 to $12. Most recent cars come with keys with security chips in that must be programmed to unlock doors or start the car. Finding the keys replaced can cost upwards of $200.
The process of reprogramming these chips is complex and requires specialized equipment. This procedure can also be performed by a locksmith, but you should make sure that they have the right tools and experience.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone is also a possibility. An associate will trace the contours of a working key. The key cutting shop will be able to cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. The only drawback is that you will not be able drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like try this method, you will need your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN number on these documents to find the code required to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having a a new key cut and then attempting to reset it yourself. You can find instructions in the owner's manual or online.