How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be quite stressful. There are a variety of ways to replace keys.
First, try to locate them yourself. Examine your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Before you visit the dealership or a locksmith ensure that you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration number or title for your vehicle. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great idea, as losing your car keys can be extremely costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it once was to obtain an extra car key, there are several ways to find one.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships have a record of security information for every vehicle and can locate your car key quickly within their system. However, they will need to make the key for you and connect it to your vehicle. spare car key cutting G28CarKeys can range from $200 to $500, based on your location and the dealership you choose, and the make of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also give you keys of standard size. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially if you have an older car that doesn't have an upgraded key. Check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership for payment.
The majority of cars today have keys that are sophisticated and expensive that is difficult to replace. They have an electronic transponder that communicates with a vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be connected to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
If your car is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at expiration of the lease. It is important to have a spare set of keys and key fobs in the event that this occurs.
It's more expensive to get a spare key, but it's still worth it if you wish to avoid stress and costly repairs in the future. It's best to be prepared for any scenario. Keep a spare key in a secure location and be aware of what you need to do in the event that your keys ever get lost.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be an enormous pain in the neck. It can be a bit frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car key in the back seat of your vehicle, whether you're at a petrol station or grocery store, or returning home from work. There are a variety of ways to replace your keys, without having to pay an auto dealer or locksmith.
If you have a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can usually go to your local hardware store and purchase a replacement for less than $10. You'll need evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title for your vehicle. If you have a more technologically advanced key, like an electronic remote fob or smart key, it might be harder to replace. You might need to contact your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a new one designed for you.
The majority of modern vehicles have transponder keys that have to be programmed with the car's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You could also try to reset your key by following the directions in your owner's manual, however, this is difficult and time-consuming, and will not always work.
By having a designated place to store your keys, you can reduce the chances of them being lost. You can hang a key holder near your door, or put them in the form of a bowl on tables. You can always keep a key ring around with you so you can know where your keys are going to be. You can also attempt to organize your office or home since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Remember that even if not the type to lose your keys, it's possible to lose they are there! It's crucial to have a backup plan in case this occurs. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who is constantly losing your car keys it is an excellent idea to have an extra. These are easy to store and affordable and can save you a lot of stress in the future. Many newer cars come with safety features which make it much more difficult to get locked out of the vehicle. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or consider upgrading your car to one with it.
While there are many ways to get your car keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the kind of key you have and how it was lost. If you have a conventional, non-digitally programmed key, locksmiths can replace it. If you have a digital key, however, this can be a much more involved process. The dealer must verify your VIN and provide proof ownership to obtain an alternative key, which can take a few weeks.
Most car rental companies do not keep spare keys on their premises however, they will help you resolve the problem. Hertz for instance, does offer the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. The service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company can't assist you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to call a locksmith or towing service. Both will get you back into your vehicle and back on the road but each comes with advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to study both options and keep contact details of both companies at hand in case of need. Also, make sure you avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you put 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 you're parking.
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 a minor inconvenience. Nowadays, this could be a major issue. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting a spare car key isn't as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need identify the type of key your vehicle has. Traditional keys, with just an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder are generally simple to replace. A standard key without chip can cost between $10 and $12. The majority of modern cars have keys with security chips built in. These keys must be programmed to unlock doors or start the car. Finding an alternative key can cost upwards of $200.
The process of programming these chips is a complex process and requires the use of specialized equipment. A locksmith may also be able perform this procedure but it's crucial to choose a locksmith with the right skills and experience.
Another option is to visit an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone, where an associate will take a working key and trace its contours. This will allow them to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the original key's cuts. The only downside is that you won't be able to drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you're considering trying this method, make sure you have the original working key along with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents in order to find the code needed to connect a key to your car.
You can also save money on the programming costs by having the key cut from a new one and then attempting to reset it yourself. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Or, you can simply search for "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.
