How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. There are many ways to get them replaced.
Begin by locating them yourself. Check your pockets, bags and even the whole house.
Before visiting the dealership or a locksmith ensure that you have proof of ownership such as your registration number or title for your vehicle. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a good option, since losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it used to be to get an extra car key there are a variety of ways to find one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest method to get a spare key. Dealerships have a record of security information for every vehicle, and they can find yours quickly in their database. They will however have to create the key for you, and pair it with your vehicle. This could cost anything between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealer and model of your car.
Another option is to have a locksmith create you an ordinary key. This is a much cheaper alternative to going to the dealer, especially if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. Make sure to check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership for payment.
Today's vehicles utilize a high-tech key, which is more expensive to replace than a traditional key. The keys are equipped with a transponder that communicates with a vehicle's system for unlocking and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be paired with your vehicle. This is only possible through the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs by the expiration of the lease. If this is the case, you need to have a spare and ensure that you have it before your lease ends.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past, but it's still worth it to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It is best to be prepared for any situation. Keep your spare key in a secure place and know what you need to do in the event that your keys ever get lost.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing car keys can be an enormous discomfort to the neck. When you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on the way home from work, it can be very frustrating to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back of your car! 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, like a regular double-edged car key, you can usually go to your local hardware store and purchase an alternative 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, for instance a remote fob or smart key, it may be more difficult to replace. You may have to call a local locksmith or the manufacturer to get a new key created.
Most modern vehicles utilize a transponder key that needs to be programmed with the car's computer. Locksmiths can do this for you, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing an old key. You could also try to reset your key following the directions in your owner's manual, but this can be difficult and time-consuming, and isn't always successful.
need a spare key for my car can lessen the chance of losing your keys by having a dedicated location to store keys. You can hang a key holder near your door or place them in the form of a bowl on a table. You can always keep a key ring close to you to know where your keys will be. You can also tidy up your home or office since a messy home can make it more likely that you will lose things. Remember that even if your keys are never lost, you may lose them. It's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that this happens. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who regularly loses your car keys it is an excellent idea to have a spare. They are simple to store and are inexpensive, and will save you a lot of stress in future. Many of the latest vehicles come with security features that make it difficult to secure yourself. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your current vehicle to one with this feature.
There are several ways to replace your car key but the details will vary depending on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. For instance, if have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it quickly. If you have a smart key however, it could be a much more involved process. The dealer must check your VIN and provide proof ownership for an alternative key, which could take a few weeks.
The majority of car rental companies 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 its premium roadside support plan. The service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside coverage.
If you are 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 in your car and back on the roads, but they each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It is important to research both options and keep the contact details of both companies on hand just in case. Also, make sure you avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you must always put them in the same spot.
4. Call an Repair Shop
It is best to prepare when you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car keys or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Nowadays, this can be a major problem. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting a spare car key isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll need determine the kind of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition are simple to replace. A basic key with no chip will cost around $10-$12. Most recent cars come with keys with security chips built into them that need to be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Finding the keys replaced could cost up to $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at a local dealership however, the process is complicated and requires specialized equipment. places that make spare car keys can also be performed by a locksmith, but you should make sure that they have the right tools and know-how.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone can also be utilized. A staff member will trace the contours of the working key. The key cutting shop will be able to cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. The only drawback is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you'd like to try this method out, you will require your driver's license as well as evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN number on these documents to find the code needed to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by purchasing a new key and then attempting to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual. Alternatively, you can look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.