How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. There are a variety of ways to replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Check your pockets, bags and the entire home.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership before visiting a dealership or locksmith. This could be your vehicle title or registration. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
The idea of having a spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys can be very costly and stressful. There are still several methods to obtain an extra key for your car, even though it's not as easy as it was before.
The easiest way to get an extra car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of the security information for every vehicle and can find yours quickly in their system. However, they'll need to make the key for you as well as join it to your car. The cost can range from $200 to $500, based on where you live and the dealership you select, and the make of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith design you a standard key. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded 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 the replacement of your key fob.
The majority of cars today have a sophisticated, expensive key that is difficult to replace. The keys are equipped with transponders that communicate with the vehicle's system for unlocking and start the car. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be connected to your vehicle which is only possible at the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your vehicle is under lease, the dealer could have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease expires. If this is the case, you need to have a spare set and ensure you have it before the lease ends.
It's more costly to buy a spare key, however it's still worth it if you want to save yourself from stress and costly repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared in case you have a problem, so make sure to keep your spare keys in an area that is secure and be aware of what to do in the event that you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing keys to your car can be an enormous headache for the neck. It can be frustrating to find out that you've left your spare car key in the back of your vehicle, no matter if you're at a petrol station or a grocery store just returning home from work. Luckily, there are several ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have a traditional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you can visit your local hardware store and purchase an alternative for less than $10. You'll need proof of ownership such as the title or registration for your vehicle. It may be more difficult to replace a key that is more advanced in technology like a smart key or a remote fob. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key created for you.
Transponder keys are utilized in most modern vehicles. They must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. Locksmiths can help you do this, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing an old key. You can reset your key following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this can be lengthy and complicated, and may not always work.
By having a designated place to store your keys, you can lower the risk of them being lost. You can put an empty bowl or key holder on a table near your door. You can keep a key ring with you at all times, so that you always know where your keys are. You can also declutter your home or office space because a messy area can make it more likely that you'll lose things. Keep in mind that even if the keys are never lost, you may forget them. In case of an emergency, it's essential to create an emergency plan. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
It's a good idea to have a spare set of keys if are someone who loses their car keys often. They are relatively inexpensive and simple to keep on hand and can save you lots of stress in the future. Many newer vehicles have security features that make it harder to secure yourself. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about upgrading your car to one with it.
There are several ways to replace your car keys however the exact procedure will vary based on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. If you own a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you have a digital key however, it could be a much more involved process. The dealer will have to run the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to get an alternative key for you and it could take a few days.
The majority of car rental companies don't keep spare keys on-site however they will assist you in resolving the problem. g28carkeys.co.uk for instance offers a lost key service as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is only offered if you do not purchase additional roadside coverage.
If you're unable to get assistance from your rental company, or in the event that you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan with them you'll need to contact locksmiths or a towing service. Both of them can get you back into your car and on the road however each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. It is important to research both options and keep contact information of both providers available in case of emergency. Also, make sure you avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means you should always keep them in the same location.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
If you've lost your car keys, it's always better to have a strategy for getting back in the vehicle. It wasn't so long ago that losing your keys was an inconvenience, but now it can actually be a big problem. If you're clever, it's not as costly or difficult to find a spare key as it once was.
It is first necessary to identify the type of key your vehicle uses. Traditional keys, with just an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are usually easy to replace. A standard key without chip can cost between $10 and $12. Most recent cars have keys that have security chips built in. These keys must be programmed to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Finding the keys replaced can cost as much as $200.
The process of reprogramming these chips is complex and requires specialized equipment. A locksmith may also be able perform this procedure but it's crucial to choose a locksmith with the proper experience and tools.
A key cutting shop, like AutoZone can also be used. A worker will trace the contours of the working key. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that matches the original's cuts. The only drawback is that you won't be able to drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you'd like to try this method, you will need your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN on these documents in order to determine the key code needed to connect a key to your car.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having an entirely new key created and then attempting to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual, or you can search for "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.
