How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are several ways you can replace them.
Find spare car key maker with your own eyes. Examine your bags and pockets, and look around the home.
Make sure to bring proof of ownership prior to visiting a dealer or a locksmith. This could be your car's title or registration. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
The idea of having a spare car key is a good option, since losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. While it's not as easy as it used to be to get an extra car key there are many ways to still find one.
The simplest way to obtain an extra car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of security details for each vehicle and will be able to locate your key in their database. They will however have to create the key for you, and pair it with your vehicle. The cost can range from $200 and $500 depending on the location you live in and the dealership you select, and the make of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith design you an ordinary key. This can be cheaper than going to the dealer particularly if your vehicle is older and doesn't come with a more advanced key. It is also advisable 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 sophisticated, expensive key that is hard to replace. These keys have a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be connected to your vehicle. This is only possible through the dealership.
It is important to note that if your car is on lease, the dealer might have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease is up. If this is the case, you need to have a spare set and ensure you have it when your lease is up.
It's more costly to buy an extra key, but it's still worthwhile if you want to save yourself from stress and costly repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared in case you encounter a problem, so make sure you keep your spare keys in an area that is secure and know what to do if you ever lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret that losing car keys can be an absolute pain in the neck. Whether you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on the return from work, it can be very difficult to realize that you've left your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys without paying an expensive locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old lock, like a double-edged one, 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 registration or title for your vehicle. If you have a technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or smart key, it could be harder to replace. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or even the manufacturer to have a replacement designed for you.
Transponder keys are used in most modern automobiles. These keys must be programmed into the computer of the vehicle. Locksmiths can help you do this however it is more expensive than replacing a traditional key. You can also reset your key following the instructions in the owner's manual, however, it can be lengthy and time-consuming, and won't always work.
By having a designated place to store your keys you can lower the risk of them getting lost. You can place an empty bowl or key holder on a table close to your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring close to you to ensure that you know where your keys will be. You can also tidy up your home or office space since a messy home can make it more likely that you will lose things. Remember that even if you are not prone to losing your keys, it's still possible that you'll forget them! It's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that this occurs. It's better to be prepared rather than be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
It's a great idea to keep a spare set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys often. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to keep around, and they will save you a lot of anxiety in the near future. Many of the latest vehicles come with security features that make it more difficult to lock yourself out. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your current vehicle to one with this feature.
While there are many ways to get your car key replaced, the details will depend on the type of key you own and how it was lost. For instance, if you have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths is likely to be able replace it easily. If you have a digital key, however, this can be a more complicated process. The dealer will need to examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a replacement key for you this could take several days.
Car rental companies usually don't keep spare keys on their premises However, they'll often work with you to get the problem solved. Hertz for instance, does offer a lost key service as part of its roadside assistance plan. The service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside coverage.
If you're unable to receive assistance from your rental company or not having an emergency roadside service plan with them then you'll have to call locksmiths or a towing service. Both will get you back in your car and back on the road, but each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It is essential to research both options before choosing a service, and also to keep the contact details for both on hand 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 the pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when you're parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to have a plan to return in the vehicle. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Nowadays, this can be a major problem. If you're intelligent, it's not nearly as difficult or expensive to find a spare key as it once was.
You'll first need to identify the type of key that your vehicle uses. Keys made of traditional design, which have a mechanical shank that inserts into the ignition cylinder, are typically simple to replace. A basic key without chip costs between $10 to $12. The majority of modern cars have keys with security chips in. These keys must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or to start the vehicle. Getting a replacement for these keys can cost upwards of $200.
The process of reprogramming these chips is complex and requires special equipment. Locksmiths may also be able perform this task, but it's important to find a locksmith who has the right expertise and tools.
A key cutting shop, such as AutoZone is also a possibility. An associate will trace the contours of the working key. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that matches the original's cuts. The only drawback is that you won't be able to drive the vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you'd like try this method, you will need your driver's licence and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to determine the code required to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also lower the cost of programming by purchasing a new key made and then trying to reset it on your own. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual or on the internet.