Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Spare Key For Car?
How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are many ways to replace keys.
Find them first by yourself. Check all your pockets and bags and walk around the home.
Before you go to the dealership or locksmith, make sure to have proof of ownership such as your vehicle registration or title. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's a good idea to have a spare key for your car as losing them can be expensive and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it was in the past to obtain an extra car key there are many ways to still get one.
The easiest method to obtain a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of security information for every vehicle and can quickly find your key in their database. However, they will need to make the key for you, and join it to your car. This could cost anything from $200 to $500, depending on the location, dealership and model of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith make you the standard key. This can be cheaper than visiting a dealership, especially if your car is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, car-insurance policy, or auto club membership to see if they will pay for an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today use a sophisticated, expensive key that is difficult to replace. These keys contain an electronic transponder that communicates with the system of the vehicle for unlocking and start the car. If you lose your smart keys, they'll need to be linked to your vehicle. This is only done by the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your car is on lease, the dealer may require you to surrender two sets of keys and key fobs when the lease is up. If this is the case, it's important to have a spare key and ensure you have it when your lease is up.
It's more expensive to get an extra key, but it is still worthwhile if you want to save yourself from stress and expensive repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared before you have a problem, so make sure to keep a spare key in a secure location and be aware of what to do in the event that you ever lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be a real discomfort to the neck. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you left the spare car key in the backseat of your vehicle, no matter if you're at a gas station, grocery store, or just returning home from work. Luckily, there are a few options to replace your keys without having to pay for the locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old lock, such as a double-edged key you can purchase an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You'll need evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle. It could be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced, such as a smart key or a remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key created for you.
Transponder keys are found in a majority of modern vehicles. These keys must be programmed into the vehicle's computer. Locksmiths can assist you with this however, it's more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can also try to reset your key following the instructions in your owner's manual, but this can be lengthy and time-consuming, and will not always work.
By having a designated place to store your keys you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can hang a key holder by your door or put them in a bowl on tables. You can also keep a key ring around you at all times so that you always know where your keys are. You can also attempt to declutter your home or office, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if not someone who loses your keys, it's still possible that you could forget the keys! In the event of an emergency, it's crucial to have a backup plan. It's better to be prepared rather than be stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
It is a good idea to keep an extra set of keys if you are someone who loses car keys frequently. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to keep around and can save you a lot of anxiety in the near future. Many of the latest vehicles come with safety features that make it more difficult to secure yourself. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your current vehicle to one that has it.
While there are getting spare key for car to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on the kind of key you have and how it was lost. If you have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. If you have a smart key however, it could be a much more involved procedure. The dealer will have to verify the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which may take some time.
The majority of car rental companies don't keep spare keys in their facilities, but will work with you to resolve the issue. Hertz, for example offers the service of locating keys as part of its roadside assistance plan. The service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside insurance.
If your rental provider isn't able to assist you, or you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, the next step is to contact an towing service or locksmith. Both can help you get back in your car and on the road however each has advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research each option before selecting the best one, and to keep the contact information for both in case you need them. Be sure to keep your keys safe by every means. This means that you must always keep them in the same location.
4. Call a Repair Shop
It is best to prepare when you lose your keys. It wasn't that long ago that losing your keys was an inconvenience, but nowadays it's often a big problem. The good part is that if smart about it, getting an extra car key is not nearly as hard and costly as it was in the past.
First, you'll need to identify the type of key your vehicle uses. Keys that are traditional, having an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are usually easy to replace. A standard key without chip can cost between $10 to $12. However, more recent automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that need to be reprogrammed by the car to open the doors or start it. Replacement keys for these cars could cost up to $200.
These chips can be programmed at a local dealership however, the process is complicated and requires special equipment. A locksmith may also be able to provide this procedure however it is important to choose a locksmith with the right skills and experience.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be utilized. A worker will trace the contours of an operational key. This will allow them to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the cut of the original key. The only downside to this is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If you're interested in trying this method, ensure you bring the actual working key together with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN on these documents to find the code needed to pair a key with your car.
You can also reduce the cost of programming by purchasing a new key and then trying to reset it on your own. You can find instructions in the owner's manual or online.