How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to replace them.
Find them first with your own eyes. Check your pockets, bags and the entire home.
Make sure to bring proof of ownership with you before visiting a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle's registration or title. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it once was to obtain an extra car key, there are many ways you can still find one.
car key spare near me to obtain a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships keep track of the security details for each vehicle and will locate your car key quickly within their database. However, they will require a key for you and join it to your car. This can cost between $200 and $500 based on your location and the dealership you select and the model of your vehicle.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you a standard key. This is cheaper than going to the dealer particularly if your vehicle is older and doesn't come with an upgraded key. Make sure to check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership to see if you can pay.
The majority of cars today have a sophisticated, expensive key that is hard to replace. These keys contain a transponder that communicates with a vehicle's system for unlocking and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be paired with your vehicle, which can only be done at the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your car is on lease, the dealer may have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs after the lease expires. It is crucial to have an extra set of keys and key fobs just in case this happens.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past but it's worthwhile to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's best to be prepared for any eventuality. Keep the spare key in a safe place and know what you should do if your keys get lost.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret that losing keys to your car can be an absolute discomfort to the neck. It can be very frustrating to discover that you've forgotten the spare car key in the back of your vehicle, whether you're at a petrol station or a grocery store returning home from work. Luckily, there are several ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
If you own a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you are able to visit your local hardware store and purchase a replacement for less than $10. However, you'll have to provide evidence of ownership, like the vehicle registration or title. If you have a technologically advanced key, like a remote fob or a smart key, it could be harder to replace. You might need to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a replacement created for you.
The majority of modern vehicles have transponder keys that need to be programmed with the car's computer. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key using the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and difficult and might not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you can reduce the chances of them being lost. You can hang a key holder by your door or place them in an empty bowl on tables. You can always keep a key ring close to you to ensure that you are aware of where your keys will be. It is also a good idea to organize your office or home, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if your keys aren't lost, you might lose them. It's crucial to have a backup plan in case this happens. It's better to be prepared rather than be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call a Towing Service
It's a great idea to have an extra set of keys if have a problem with losing your car keys frequently. These are fairly cheap and easy to keep on hand, and they will save you lots of anxiety in the future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it more difficult to secure yourself. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or consider upgrading your vehicle to one with this feature.
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 have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, locksmiths can replace it. A smart key could make the process more complicated. The dealer must verify your VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain an alternative key, which could take several weeks.
The majority of car rental firms do not keep spare keys in their facilities, but will assist you in resolving the issue. Hertz, for example, does offer the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. This service is only available if you don't purchase additional roadside insurance.
If you're unable to get help from your rental provider, or if you don't have an emergency roadside assistance plan in place you'll need to contact a locksmith or a towing service. Both can allow you to get back in your car and back on the road, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research both options before choosing a provider, and to store the contact information for both on hand in case you need them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means putting them in the same spot every time, and not leaving them in your pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Call an Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was a minor inconvenience. Today, this can be a major problem. The good part is that if aware of it, getting the spare car key you need isn't as difficult and costly as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll need to identify the kind of key your car has. Traditional keys, with just an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder are usually easy to replace. A standard key without a chip will cost between $10 and $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 to start the vehicle. Getting a replacement for these keys can cost upwards of $200.
The process of reprogramming these chips is complex and requires specialized equipment. A locksmith might also be able to provide this task however it is important to choose a locksmith with the necessary expertise and tools.
Another option is to go to a key cutting shop, such as AutoZone where a staff member will use a key that is working and trace its contours. This way, they'll be able to cut the new key to match the original key's cuts. The only drawback is that you won't be able to drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like to test this method you'll require a driver's license and proof of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN on these documents to determine the key code needed to pair a key with your car.
You can also save money on the cost of programming by having a an entirely new key cut, 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 look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.