How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be a very stressful experience. There are a variety of ways you can replace keys.
Find them first with your own eyes. Check all your bags and pockets and walk around the home.
Before you go to the dealership or locksmith be sure to bring evidence of ownership, such as your registration number or title for your vehicle. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a good idea, since losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. There are still several methods to obtain a spare key for your vehicle, even it's not as straightforward as before.
The simplest way to obtain a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships have a record of the security details for every vehicle, and they can locate your car key quickly within their system. They will have to make you a key, and then pair it to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $500 based on your location and the dealership you select and the model of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also make you keys of standard size. This is a less expensive alternative to visiting the dealer, especially if you have 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 determine whether they'll cover the replacement of your key fob.
Most of today's cars utilize a high-tech key, which is much more expensive to replace than a standard key. These keys have a transponder chip 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 with your vehicle, which is only possible at the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at end of the lease. It is important to have a second set of keys and key fobs in the event that this occurs.
It's more expensive to get a spare key, but it's worth it if you want to save yourself from stress and expensive repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared in case you face a problem so make sure to keep a spare in an area that is secure and be aware of what to do in the event that you lose your car keys.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys can be an enormous discomfort to the neck. It can be frustrating to discover that you left your spare car keys in the back seat of your vehicle, no matter if you're at a gas station or 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, like a double-edged type, you can get a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration for your vehicle. It might be more difficult to replace a key which is more technologically advanced, such as an intelligent key or remote fob. It is possible to contact an individual locksmith or the manufacturer to have an entirely new key.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that have to be programmed by the computer in the vehicle. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key following the steps in the owner's manual but this can be difficult and time-consuming, and it will not always work.
If you have a designated spot to keep your keys, you can lower the risk of them getting lost. You can place an empty bowl or key holder on a table near your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring around with you to ensure that you know where your keys will be. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office because a messy area is a higher risk that you will lose things. Just remember that even if you're not the type to lose your keys, it's possible that you'll lose the keys! It's essential to have a backup plan in case this happens. It's always better to be prepared than being stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call for a Towing Service
It's a great idea to keep a spare set of keys if are someone who loses car keys frequently. They're easy to store and affordable and will spare you a great deal of stress in future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it harder to be locked out of the vehicle. 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 keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on what type of key you own and how it was lost. If you have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you have a smart key however, this could be a much more involved process. The dealer will have to examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a replacement key for you, which may take some time.
The majority of car rental firms do not keep spare keys on-site, but will work with you to resolve the problem. Hertz for instance offers a lost key service as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is only available if you do not purchase additional roadside protection.
If you are unable to get help from your rental company, or if you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan with them you'll need to contact an emergency locksmith or towing service. Both will get you back in your car and back on the roads, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study the options before settling on a provider, and to keep the contact details for both in case you need them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means putting 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 you're parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
If you've lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to have a plan for how to get back in your vehicle. It wasn't long ago that losing your keys was an inconvenience, but today it's often a big problem. If you're intelligent, it's not nearly as difficult or expensive to find a spare key like it once was.
You'll first need to determine the type of key your vehicle is using. Keys that are traditional with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are simple to replace. A basic key with no chip can cost between $10 and $12. However, modern cars use keys with built-in security chips that have to be programmed into the car in order to unlock the doors or start it. Finding the keys replaced can cost as much as $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealership however the process is a bit complicated and requires special equipment. This process can also be performed by a locksmith, but you should make sure that they are equipped with the proper equipment and expertise.
Another option is to go to a key cutting shop like AutoZone where an associate will use a key that is working and trace its contours. This will allow them to cut the new key to match the cut of the original key. The only downside is that you won't be able to drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmed to the vehicle.
If make a spare car key near me 'd like to try this method out, you will need your driver's licence and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to find the code required to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by having a new key made and then attempting to reset it on your own. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual, or you can simply search for "How to program a (your year, make and model) key" online.