How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be quite stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to replace them.
First, try to find them yourself. Check all your bags and pockets and then look around the home.
Before you go to the locksmith or dealership 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
A spare car key is a good option, since losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it once was to get a spare car key, there are a variety of ways you can still find one.
The easiest method to obtain a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep track of the security details for each vehicle and will locate your key quickly in their system. They will have to make you a key and connect it to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $500 depending on where you live and the dealership you choose and the model of your car.
A locksmith can also create you keys of standard size. This can be cheaper than visiting a dealership in particular if your car is older and doesn't come with an advanced key. It's also important to check your car's warranty, car-insurance policy, or auto club membership to see whether they'll cover an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today have a more sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a conventional key. The keys are equipped with a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's systems to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be linked to your vehicle. This is only possible through the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer could have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease expires. It is important to have a second set of keys and key fobs in case this happens.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worth it to avoid the stress and costly repairs in the future. It is best to be prepared for any situation. Keep the spare key in a safe location and know what you should do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys is a pain. It can be frustrating to find out that you've left the spare car key in the back of your vehicle, no matter if you're at a gas station, grocery store, or returning home from work. Luckily, there are a few options to get your keys replaced without having to pay the dealership or a locksmith.
If you have a traditional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you are able to visit your local hardware store and purchase an alternative for less than $10. You'll need proof of ownership such as the registration or title for your vehicle. It may be more difficult to replace a key that is more advanced in technology, such as 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.
The majority of modern vehicles have transponder keys that need to be programmed by the vehicle's computer. A locksmith can do this for you however it is more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can also try to reset your key by following the directions in your owner's manual, however, it can be lengthy and time-consuming, and isn't always successful.
You can lessen the chance of losing your keys by having a specific place to put them. You can hang a key holder near your door, or put them in an empty bowl on a table. You can also keep a key ring with your person at all times to ensure that you always know where your keys are. You can also declutter your office or home since a messy home is a higher risk that you will lose things. Just remember that even if you are not someone who loses your keys, it's possible that you'll lose they are there! In the event of an emergency, it's essential to prepare an emergency plan. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who regularly loses your car keys it is an excellent idea to have a spare. These are fairly cheap and easy to keep on hand and will save you a lot of anxiety in the near future. Many newer cars come with security features which make it much more difficult to get locked out of 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 current vehicle to one that has it.
While there are many ways to get your car keys replaced, the specifics will depend on what type of key you have and how it was lost. For instance, if you have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, locksmiths is likely to be able replace it easily. If you have a digital key however, this could be a much more involved procedure. The dealer must verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to get a replacement key for you and it could take some time.
The majority of car rental firms do not keep spare keys in their facilities however, they 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 insurance.
If your rental company can't assist you, or if you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, your next option is to contact an towing service or locksmith. Both will get you back to your vehicle and on the roads, but they each have distinct advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research both options before choosing the best one, and to store the contact information for both on hand in case you ever require them. Also, you should 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 top of your car when parking.
4. Call a Repair Shop
When you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to have a plan for getting back inside the vehicle. It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but nowadays it's an issue. If you're intelligent, it's not nearly as expensive or difficult to find an extra key as it once was.
First, you'll need to identify the type of key that your vehicle is using. Keys made of traditional design, which have the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder are generally simple to replace. Visit Web Page without a chip can cost between $10 and $12. However, modern automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that must be programmed into the car to unlock the doors or start it. Getting an alternative key could cost up to $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealer however, the process is complicated and requires specialized equipment. This process is also attainable by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the appropriate equipment and expertise.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be utilized. A worker 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 downside is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you'd like to test this method out, you will require a driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN number on these documents to determine 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 new key cut and then attempting to reset it yourself. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual. Or, you can simply look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.