How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. There are many ways you can replace keys.
First, try to find them yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership with you before visiting a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle registration or title. spare car keys made near me 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 a huge financial burden and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it once was to obtain an extra car key, there are a variety of ways to obtain one.
The easiest way to get a spare car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships keep records of security details for each vehicle and can quickly find your key in their database. They'll need to make you a key and pair it to your vehicle. The cost can range from $200 to $500, based on the location you live in and the dealership you select and the model of your car.
Another option is to have a locksmith make you the standard key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, particularly when you own an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. Make sure to check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership to see if you can pay.
Most of today's cars use a sophisticated key, which is more expensive to replace than a standard key. The keys are equipped with transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be paired with your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs by the 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 purchase a spare key, but it's worth it if you wish to avoid the hassle of costly repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared in case you have a problem, so make sure you keep your spare keys in an area that is secure and know what to do if you ever lose your car keys.
2. Call for a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys can be a nightmare. Whether you're at the gas station, the grocery store, or on your way home from work it can be extremely frustrating to realize that you've left your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are many ways to replace your keys, without having to pay an expensive locksmith or dealership.
If you own a traditional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you can usually go to your local hardware store and get a replacement key for less than $10. You'll need to provide proof of ownership like the registration or title of your vehicle. If you have a technologically advanced key, like a remote fob or smart key, it may be harder to replace. You may need to call your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a new one created for you.
Most modern vehicles use a transponder key that needs to be programmed with the car's computer. Locksmiths can help you do this however it is more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can also reset your key by following the directions in the owner's manual, however, this is lengthy and time-consuming, and won't always work.
You can lower the risk of losing your keys in the first place by having a dedicated space to keep keys. You can hang a key holder near your door or put them in the form of a bowl on the table. You can keep a key ring on you at all times, so that you know where your keys are. You can also try to tidy up your office or home since a messy office can make it easier to lose things! Remember that even if your keys are never lost, you could lose them. In case of an emergency, it's important to prepare a backup plan. It's better to be prepared than to be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact a Towing Service
It is a good idea to keep an extra set of keys if you are someone who loses their car keys often. These are easy to store and affordable and can save you a great deal of stress in future. A lot of newer cars have security features that make it harder to lock yourself out. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or consider upgrading your car to one with it.
There are several ways to replace your car key but the details will vary depending on the type of key and the manner in which it was lost. If related have a conventional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you own a smart key however, it could be a more complex process. The dealer must verify your VIN and provide proof ownership to get you a new key, which can take a few weeks.
Car rental companies typically don't keep spare keys in their facilities, but they will often assist you in getting the problem solved. Hertz for instance, does offer the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. This service is not offered if you do not purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company can't assist you, or if you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, your next option is to contact a towing service or locksmith. Both of them can help you get back in your car and on the road however each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It's important that you research both options and keep the contact details of both companies on hand just in case. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you put them in the same place each time and not leaving them in the pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Call a Repair Shop
When you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to have a plan for getting back inside the vehicle. It wasn't that long ago that losing your key was just an inconvenience, but now it's a big problem. The good thing is that if you're aware of it, getting the spare car key you need is not nearly as hard and costly as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll need to do is determine what kind of key your car has. Keys made of traditional design, which have the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder, are typically simple to replace. A basic key that does not have chip costs between $10 and $12. But, newer automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that must be reprogrammed to the car in order to unlock the doors or start it. Getting a replacement for these keys could cost up to $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealership, but the process is a bit complicated and requires special equipment. This process is also attainable by a locksmith, however you should make sure that they have the appropriate equipment and expertise.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop like AutoZone where an associate will pick up a working key and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will be able to cut a key that matches the original's cut. The only downside to this is that you won't be allowed to drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If you'd like to try this method you'll require a driver's license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will be able to decode the VIN on these documents to find the code needed to pair your key with your car.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by purchasing a new key made and then attempting to reset it yourself. The instructions are available in the owner's manual or online.