Looking For Inspiration? Check Out Spare Key For Car
How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are many ways you can replace them.
Find them first with your own eyes. Take a look in your bags and pockets and then look around the house.
Before you go to the locksmith or dealership, make sure to have proof of ownership such as your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It is a good thing to have an extra key for your car, since losing them could be costly and stressful. There are still a variety of ways to obtain a spare key for your car, it's not as straightforward as it was before.
The simplest way to obtain an extra car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships maintain records of security details for each vehicle and can quickly find your keys in their system. However, they'll have to create the key for you as well as join it to your car. This could cost anything between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealership and make of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith design you an ordinary key. This is less expensive than going to the dealer particularly if your vehicle is older and doesn't come with an upgraded key. You should check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership for details on how to pay.
i need a spare key for my car have a more sophisticated key that is more expensive to replace than a conventional key. They have a transponder that communicates with a vehicle's system to allow you to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they'll have to be connected to your vehicle. This can only be 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 an extra set of keys and key fobs just in case this occurs.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past but it's worth it to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always better to be prepared in case you encounter a problem, so make sure you keep a spare key in a secure location and know what to do if you should lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your keys to your car can be a real pain in the neck. Whether you're at the gas station, grocery store or on your return from work, it can be very difficult to realize that you have left your spare key in the back of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay an expensive locksmith or dealership.
If you have a conventional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you can usually go to your local hardware store and purchase an alternative for less than $10. You'll need proof of ownership like the registration or title of your vehicle. If you have a more technologically advanced key, like a remote fob or smart key, it could be harder to replace. You might have to contact a local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key made.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that have to be programmed with the computer in the vehicle. Locksmiths can help you do this however it is more expensive than replacing the traditional key. You can reset your key by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this can be lengthy and complicated and may not always work.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys by having a designated location to store keys. You can hang a key holder close to your door or put them in the form of a bowl on a table. You can also keep a key ring on you at all times, so that you know where your keys are. You can also tidy up your office or home, as a messy space can make it more likely that you will lose things. Just remember that even if you are not prone to losing your keys, it's still possible that you'll lose the keys! In the event of an emergency, it's crucial to prepare an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared than stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call a Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who is constantly losing your car keys it is recommended to purchase a spare. They are simple to store and cheap, and will save you a great deal of stress in future. Many newer vehicles have security features that make it harder to secure yourself. Check out getting a spare key for my car at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or consider upgrading your vehicle to one with this feature.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car key however the exact procedure will differ based on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. For example, if you have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, a locksmith is likely to be able replace it easily. If you own a smart key, however, this can be a much more involved process. The dealer will need to examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership to get a replacement key and it could take a few days.
Car rental companies generally don't keep spare keys in their facilities however, they'll usually assist you in getting the problem resolved. Hertz, for example, does offer the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. However the service isn't offered in the event that you don't buy additional roadside protection coverage.
If your rental company can't assist you, or if you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both can help you get back to your vehicle and on the road, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research each option before selecting a service, and also to keep the contact details for both on hand in case you ever need them. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you put them in the same spot each time and not putting them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when you're parking.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
When you lose your car keys, it's always better to have a strategy for how to get back in your vehicle. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was just a minor annoyance. Nowadays, this could be a major issue. The good news is that if you're smart about it, getting an extra car key isn't as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
It is first necessary to determine the type of key that your vehicle uses. Keys made of traditional design, which have an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are generally simple to replace. A basic key that does not have chip costs between $10 to $12. The most recent vehicles have keys with security chips built into them that need to be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the car. Keys replacement for these cars can cost up to $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. This service can also be done by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they have the appropriate tools and know-how.
Another option is to visit a key cutting shop like AutoZone where an associate will use a key that is working and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will be able cut a key that is in line with the original's cut. The only drawback is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like to test this method out, you will need your driver's licence and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code that's needed to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by purchasing a new key and then attempting to reset it on your own. You can find the instructions in the owner's guide or online.