How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a very stressful experience. Luckily, there are several ways to replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Check all your pockets and bags, and look around the house.
Before you visit the locksmith or dealership, make sure to have evidence of ownership, such as your car registration or title. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys can be extremely costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it used to be to find an extra car key, there are several ways you can still find one.
The easiest method to obtain an extra car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships maintain records of security information for every vehicle and are able to quickly locate your keys in their system. They'll need to make you a key and pair it to your car. This can cost between $200 and $500 depending on the location you live in and the dealership you choose, and the make of your car.
A locksmith can also give you a standard-sized key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially in the case of an older car that doesn't have an advanced key. It's also important to verify your car's warranty, car insurance policy or auto club membership to see if they will pay for a new key fob.
The majority of cars today have a sophisticated, expensive key that is extremely difficult to replace. They have an electronic transponder that communicates with a vehicle's system in order to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be paired with your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your vehicle is under lease, the dealer might have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs after the lease is up. If this is the case, you need to have a spare key and ensure you have it when your lease is up.
It's more expensive to get an extra key, but it is still worthwhile if you want to avoid stress and costly repairs in the near future. It's always best to be prepared in case you encounter a problem, so make sure you keep a spare in a secure location and be aware of what to do in the event that you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact an expert locksmith
It's no secret that losing car keys can be an absolute discomfort to the neck. It can be frustrating to find out that you've left the spare car key in the back of your car, whether you're at the gas station or a grocery store on your way home after work. Luckily, there are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay the dealership or a locksmith.
If you have a conventional key, like a regular double-edged car key, you can usually go to your local hardware store to purchase a replacement key for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership such as the registration or title for your vehicle. If you have a more technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or smart key, it could be harder to replace. You may have to call an individual locksmith or the manufacturer to have an entirely new key.
The majority of modern vehicles have transponder keys that need to be programmed by the vehicle's computer. A locksmith can assist you with this however, it's more expensive than replacing the traditional key. You can reset your key by following the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this can be time-consuming and difficult, and may not always work.
If you have a designated area to keep your keys, you can reduce the chances of them being lost. You can place the bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. You can also keep a key ring on your person at all times to ensure that you know where your keys are. It is also possible to tidy up your office or home because a messy area is a higher risk that you'll lose things. Be aware that even if your keys aren't lost, you might lose them. It's important to have an emergency plan in case this happens. It's better to be prepared than to be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call a Towing Service
It's a great idea to have a spare set of keys if have a problem with losing your car keys often. They're easy to store and are inexpensive and can save you a great deal of stress in future. Many newer vehicles have safety features that make it harder to secure yourself. You can find this feature in the latest Longo Toyota inventory, or you can upgrade your car.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on what type of key you have and how it was lost. If you have a conventional key that is not digitally programmed, locksmiths can replace it. If you have a digital key, however, this can be a more complex process. The dealer will have to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to get a replacement key for you, which may take some time.
The majority of car rental companies do not keep spare keys on their premises however they will help you resolve the problem. Hertz offers a lost-key service as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However the service isn't offered if you don't purchase additional roadside protection coverage.
If you are unable to get assistance from your rental provider, or in the event that you don't have an emergency roadside service plan with them, you'll need to call locksmiths or a towing service. Both can help you get back in your car and on the roads, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research each option before selecting the best one, and to keep the contact details for both in case you ever need them. Avoid losing your keys by every means. This means putting them in the same spot every time, and not putting them in the pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to prepare when you lose your keys. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, this could be a major problem. The good part is that if smart about it, getting an extra car key is not nearly as hard and costly as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need identify the type of key your vehicle has. Keys made of traditional design, which have the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder, are usually easy to replace. A basic key that does not have chip costs between $10 and $12. But, get spare key made use keys with built-in security chips that have to be reprogrammed to the car to unlock the doors or start it. Getting the keys replaced can cost as much as $200.
These chips can be programmed at your local dealer however the process is a bit complicated and requires special equipment. A locksmith may also be able to provide this task, but it's important to find one who has the necessary skills and experience.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be utilized. A staff member will trace the contours of a working key. This way, they'll be able to cut the new key to match the original key's cut. The only drawback is that you will not be able to drive the vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like to test this method out you'll require a driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN number on these documents to determine the code needed to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also save on the programming costs by having an entirely new key cut, then attempting to reset it yourself. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual or on the internet.