How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to get them replaced.
The first step is to locate them yourself. Check your bags and pockets and walk around the home.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership with you before you visit a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great idea, since losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it was in the past to find a spare car key, there are many ways you can still find one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships maintain records of security details for each vehicle and will be able to locate your keys in their system. They'll need to make you a key and pair it with your car. This could cost anything between $200 and $500 based on the location, the dealership and make of your car.
A locksmith can also make you a standard-sized key. This is less expensive than going to the dealership, especially if your car is older and doesn't come with an upgraded key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, car insurance policy or auto club membership to determine whether they'll pay for a new key fob.
Today's vehicles have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a standard key. The keys are equipped with an electronic transponder that communicates with the system of the vehicle to allow you to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be connected to your vehicle which is only possible at the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at the end of the lease. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare key and ensure you have it before your lease is up.
It's more expensive to purchase a spare key, but it is still worthwhile if you want to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's best to be prepared for any scenario. Keep a spare key in a safe place and know what you need to do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It's not a secret that losing keys to your car is a hassle. spare car key replacement cost can be frustrating to discover that you've forgotten your spare car keys in the back seat of your vehicle, whether you're at a petrol station, grocery store, or on your way home after work. Luckily, there are several ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
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. However, you'll need to provide evidence of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. If you have a technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or smart key, it may be harder to replace. It is possible to contact a local locksmith or the manufacturer to get a new key made.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that have to be programmed with the computer in the vehicle. Locksmiths can help you do this, but it will be more expensive than replacing an old key. You can also try to reset your key following the instructions in your owner's manual, however, this is lengthy and time-consuming, and will not always work.
By having a designated place to keep your keys, you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can place the bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. You can also keep a key ring on your person at all times to ensure that you know where your keys are. You can also tidy up your home or office space since a messy home can make it more likely that you will lose things. Just remember that even if you are not the type to lose your keys, it's still possible that you'll lose they are there! In the event of an emergency, it's important to create a backup plan. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Contact for a Towing Service
It's a great idea to keep an extra set of keys in case you are someone who loses their car keys frequently. These are easy to store and cheap and will spare you a lot of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it harder to secure yourself. You can find this feature in the brand new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your vehicle.
There are several ways to replace your car key but the details will vary depending on the type of key you have and how it was misplaced. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed locksmiths can replace it. A smart key could make the process more complicated. The dealer will need to run the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an alternative key for you, which may take some time.
Car rental companies typically do not keep spare keys in their facilities However, they'll often collaborate with you to get the problem resolved. Hertz for instance offers the option of losing keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However, this service isn't available when you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company is unable to assist you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, your next option is to contact an towing service or locksmith. Both will get you back in your car and back on the road, but each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It's important to research each option before selecting a service, and also to keep the contact information for both in case you ever require them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same spot each time and not leaving them in the pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when you're parking.
4. Call a Repair Shop
It's best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but now it's a big problem. If you're clever, it's not as difficult or expensive to find a spare key as it was.
You'll first need to identify the type of key that your vehicle is using. Keys that are traditional, having an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are typically simple to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost around $10-$12. However, more recent automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that must be reprogrammed to the car to open the doors or start it. Replacement keys for these cars could cost up to $200.
The process of programming these chips is a complex process and requires specialized equipment. This service is also attainable by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the appropriate tools and know-how.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop, such as AutoZone where an associate 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 to drive the vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you're interested in trying this method, ensure you bring the working key along with your driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will 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 getting a new key made and then attempting 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, make and model) key" online.