How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. There are a variety of ways to replace them.
Find them first by yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole house.
Before you go to the dealership or a locksmith ensure that you have proof of ownership such as your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
The idea of having a spare car key is a great idea, as losing your car keys can be extremely costly and stressful. There are still a variety of methods to obtain an extra key for your vehicle, even it's not as straightforward as before.
Contacting the dealership is the quickest method to get a spare key. Dealerships have a record of the security details for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their system. They will need to create you a key and pair it to your car. The cost can range from $200 and $500 depending on the location you live in and the dealership you choose and the model of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also create you keys of standard size. This is a much cheaper alternative to going to the dealer, especially when you own an older car which doesn't come with an advanced key. Check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership to see if you can pay.
Most of today's cars use a sophisticated key, which is much more expensive to replace than a conventional key. They have a transponder that communicates with the vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be paired with your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs at end of the lease. It is essential to have a spare set of keys and key fobs in case this happens.
It's more costly to buy a spare key, but it's worth it if you want to save yourself from stress and costly repairs in the near future. It is always advisable to be prepared prior to when you encounter a problem, so make sure you keep a spare in an area that is secure and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's no secret losing your car keys is a pain. Whether you're at the gas station, grocery store or on your way home 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 a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old key like a double-edged one you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You'll need to provide proof of ownership such as the title or registration for your vehicle. If you have a technologically advanced key, such as a remote fob or a smart key, it may be harder to replace. You may need to call your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key created for you.
Transponder keys are utilized in the majority of modern automobiles. They must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing a standard key. You can reset your key by following the instructions in your owner’s manual. However, this could be time-consuming and difficult and might not always work.
You can lower the risk of losing your keys in the first place by having a designated place to put them. You can put an empty bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. You can keep a key ring around you at all times so that you know where your keys are. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office, as a messy space is a higher risk that you will lose things. Be aware that even if you are not prone to losing your keys, it's possible to lose them! It's essential to have a backup plan in the event that this happens. It's always better to be prepared than stuck on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
It is a good idea to have an extra set of keys if you are someone who loses their car keys often. They're easy to store and are inexpensive, and will save you a lot of stress in future. Many of the latest cars come with security features that make it more difficult to get locked out of the vehicle. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or consider changing your car to one with it.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car key however the exact procedure will vary depending on the type of key and the way it was lost. If you have a conventional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you own a smart key however, it could be a more complicated process. The dealer must run your VIN and provide proof ownership for a replacement key, which could take a few weeks.
spare car keys made near me don't keep spare keys on-site however they will work with you to resolve the issue. Hertz offers a lost-key assistance as part of its premium roadside support plan. However the service isn't offered if you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company is unable to help you, or you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, your next option is to contact an towing service or locksmith. Both can allow you to get back in your car and back on the roads, but they each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It's important to research the options before settling on the best one, and to keep the contact details for both on hand in case you need them. Be sure to keep your keys safe by all means. This means that you put them in the same place every time and not leaving them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when you're parking.
4. Call an Repair Shop
It's best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. It wasn't so long ago that losing your keys was an inconvenience, but today it's an issue. If you're smart, it's not as costly or difficult to find an extra key as it once was.
You'll first need to identify the type of key your vehicle is using. The traditional keys with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost between $10 to $12. The majority of modern cars come with keys that have security chips built in that must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Keys replacement for these cars could cost up to $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealer however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. This service can also be performed by a locksmith, but you should make sure that they have the appropriate tools and experience.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be utilized. An associate 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 to this is that you won't be allowed to drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If you're considering trying this method, ensure you have the original working key together with your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN number on these documents to determine the code needed to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having a the key cut from a new one and then trying to reset it yourself. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Alternatively, you can simply look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.