How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a very stressful experience. There are many ways to replace them.
Find them first by yourself. Check your pockets, bags and the entire house.
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 help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a good option, since losing your car keys can 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.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest method to obtain a replacement key. Dealerships keep a record of security information for each vehicle and will be able to locate your key in their database. They will have to make you a key and pair it to your car. It could cost between $200 to $500, based on where you live and the dealership you select and the model of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also create you a standard-sized key. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to determine if they will pay for an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today utilize a high-tech key, which is much more expensive to replace than a conventional key. The keys are equipped with an electronic transponder that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it needs to be paired back to your vehicle and this is only possible at the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your 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 expires.
It's more expensive to purchase an extra key, but it's worth it if you wish to avoid the hassle of expensive repairs in the future. It's best to be ready for any scenario. Keep the spare key in a secure place and know what you need to do if your keys ever get lost.
2. Call a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your car keys can be a real discomfort to the neck. If you're at a gas station, grocery store, or on your return from work, it can be very frustrating to realize that you've left your spare key in the back of your car! Luckily, there are several ways to replace your keys 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 have to provide evidence of ownership, like the vehicle registration or title. It may be more difficult to replace a key which is more technologically advanced like a smart key or a remote fob. It is possible to contact an individual locksmith or the manufacturer to get a new key created.
Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of modern automobiles. These keys must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key using the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and difficult, and may not always work.
If you have a designated spot to keep your keys, you can lower the risk of them being lost. You can put the bowl or key holder on a table close to your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring with you to ensure that you can know where your keys are going to be. You can also declutter your office or home since a messy home could increase the likelihood that you'll lose things. Remember that even if your keys are never lost, you might forget them. In case of an emergency, it's important to have an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than stuck on the side of the road!
3. Call toll-free Towing Service
It's a great idea to have an extra set of keys if you are someone who loses car keys frequently. These are fairly cheap and simple to keep around and can save you lots of stress in the future. Many of the latest cars come with safety features which make it much more difficult to gain access to the vehicle. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your vehicle to one with this feature.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the details will depend on the type of key you own and how it was lost. If you have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, locksmiths can replace it. auto key spares could make the process more difficult. The dealer will have to examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get a replacement key for you this could take several days.
Car rental companies generally don't keep spare keys on site, but they will often work with you to get the problem solved. Hertz offers a lost-key assistance as part its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is only available if you don't purchase additional roadside coverage.
If your rental provider isn't able to assist you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both will get you back into your vehicle and on the road but each comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research each option before selecting the best one, and to store the contact information for both on hand in case you need them. Also, make sure you avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same spot every time and not putting them in the pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Contact spare key replacement is best to prepare if 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. The good part is that if clever about it, obtaining the spare car key you need is not nearly as hard and expensive as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll need determine the type of key your vehicle has. Keys that are traditional with an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost between $10 and $12. But, newer cars use keys with built-in security chips that must be reprogrammed to the car in order to unlock the doors or start it. Getting the keys replaced can cost upwards of $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires special equipment. A locksmith might also be able to perform this task, but it's important to choose a locksmith with the proper expertise and tools.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop, such as AutoZone, where an associate will take a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that matches the original's cut. The only downside is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If you'd like to test this method, you will require a driver's license and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith will be able to decode the VIN on these documents in order to determine the key code needed to pair a key with your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by purchasing an entirely new key created and then trying to reset it yourself. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual or online.