How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. There are several ways to replace keys.
First, try to locate spare car key fob . Take a look in all your pockets and bags, and look around the house.
Before you go to the locksmith or dealership, make sure to have proof of ownership such as your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's a good idea to have a spare key for your car, since losing them can be costly and stressful. There are still several ways to get a spare key for your car, although it's not as simple as before.
The simplest way to obtain a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep track of the security details for each vehicle and will find yours quickly in their system. They will however require a key for you as well as join it to your car. It could cost between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealer and model of your car.
A locksmith can also make you a standard-sized key. This is cheaper than going to the dealer, especially if your car is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. You should check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership to see if you can pay.
Today's vehicles have a more sophisticated key that is more expensive to replace than a conventional key. These keys contain transponders that communicate with a vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be linked to your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, the dealer may ask you to return two sets of keys or key fobs by the end of the lease. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare set and ensure that you have it before the lease is up.
A spare car key is more expensive than it used to be, but it's still worth it to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's best to be ready for any situation. Keep a spare key in a secure place and know what you should do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Call a locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys is a pain. If you're at a gas station, the grocery store, or on your way home from work it can be extremely difficult to realize that you have left your spare key in the back seat of your car! Luckily, there are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership or a locksmith.
If you have a traditional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you can usually go to your local hardware store and purchase an alternative for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership such as the registration or title for your vehicle. It could be more difficult to replace a key that is more advanced in technology, such as a smart key or a remote fob. You may need to call your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key made for you.
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 try to reset your key by following the directions in your owner's manual, however, it can be difficult and time-consuming, and won't always work.
You can lower the risk of losing your keys by having a specific location to store keys. You can hang a key holder near your door or place them in a bowl on the table. You can always keep a key ring with you to are aware of where your keys will be. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office space, as a messy space could increase the likelihood that you'll lose things. Just remember that even if not someone who loses your keys, it's possible to lose them! In the event of an emergency, it's crucial to create an emergency plan. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Call toll-free Towing Service
It is a good idea to keep a spare set of keys if you are someone who loses their car keys often. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep on hand and will help you avoid a lot of anxiety in the near future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it difficult to lock yourself out. You can find this feature in the brand new Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your vehicle.
There are a variety of ways to get your car keys replaced, the specifics will depend on what type of key you have and the way it was lost. For instance, if you have a traditional key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it easily. If you have a smart key however, it could be a much more involved process. The dealer will have to verify your VIN and provide proof ownership to get you a new key, which can take several weeks.
Car rental companies typically don't keep spare keys on site however, they'll usually collaborate with you to get the problem resolved. Hertz provides a lost-key service as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However this service isn't provided if you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If you're unable to receive assistance from your rental company or in the event that you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan in place then you'll have to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both can help you get back into your vehicle and on the road but each comes with advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research the options before settling on the best one, and to keep the contact details for both in case you need them. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same spot each time and not leaving them in your pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Call a Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead 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 an issue. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting the spare car key you need is not nearly as hard and costly as it used to be.
You'll first need to identify the type of key that your vehicle uses. The keys that have mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key without chip can cost between $10 to $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. Keys replacement for these cars can cost as much as $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealership however, the process is complex and requires specialized equipment. A locksmith may also be able to provide this procedure however it is important to find one who has the necessary experience and tools.
Another option is to go to an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone where a staff member will take a working key and trace its contours. This way, they'll be able to cut the new key to match the cut of the original key. The only drawback 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 try this method out you'll require a driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents in order to locate the code required to connect a key to your vehicle.
You can also save money on the cost of programming by having the key cut from a new one and then trying to reset it yourself. You can find instructions in the owner's guide or on the internet.