How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car can be a stressful experience. There are many methods to replace them.
Begin by locating them yourself. Examine your bags, pockets and even the whole home.
Before visiting the dealership or locksmith, make sure to have proof of ownership such as your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a great idea, as losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. There are still several ways to get a spare key for your car, even though it's not as easy as it was in the past.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient method to get a spare key. Dealerships keep a record of the security details for every vehicle and can find yours quickly in their system. They'll need to make you a key and pair it to your car. This can cost between $200 and $500 depending on the location you live in and the dealership you choose and the model of your car.
A locksmith can also make you an ordinary-sized key. This is cheaper than going to the dealer particularly if your vehicle 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 whether they'll cover an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today have a sophisticated, expensive key that is difficult to replace. They have a transponder that communicates with a vehicle's system in order to unlock and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it needs to be connected to your vehicle, which is only possible 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 once the lease is up. If this is the case, it's crucial to have a spare key and ensure that you have it when your lease expires.
It's more expensive to purchase a spare key, however it's still worth it if you wish to avoid the hassle of costly repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared before you face a problem so ensure you keep a spare in a safe place and know what to do if you lose your car keys.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys can be an absolute headache for the neck. Whether you're at the gas station, grocery store, or on the way home from work it can be extremely painful to discover that you've 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 an old lock, like a double-edged type, you can get a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show evidence of ownership, like the registration or title of your vehicle. If you own a more technologically advanced key, such as a remote fob or smart key, it may be more difficult to replace. It is possible to contact your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a replacement made for you.
Transponder keys are used in most modern vehicles. They have to be programmed into the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, but will cost more than replacing the standard key. You can reset your key following the instructions in your owner’s manual. However, G28 can be lengthy and complicated and might not always work.
You can reduce your chances of losing your keys in the first place by having a specific space to keep keys. You can place a bowl or a key holder on a table close to your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring with you to ensure that you know where your keys will be. It is also a good idea to declutter your home or office because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Just remember that even if not prone to losing your keys, it's still possible to lose the keys! It's essential to have an emergency plan in case this happens. It's always better to be prepared than being stuck on the side of the road!
3. Call for a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who regularly loses your car keys it is recommended to purchase an extra. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to keep around and will save you lots of anxiety in the future. Many newer vehicles have safety features that make it difficult to lock yourself out. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about changing your car to one with it.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on the kind of key you have and how it was lost. For instance, if you have an older key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it quickly. A smart key can make the process more difficult. The dealer must examine the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key and it could take a few days.
Car rental companies generally don't keep spare keys on their premises however, they'll usually collaborate with you to get the problem solved. Hertz offers a lost-key assistance as part of its premium roadside support plan. This service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside insurance.
If your rental company is unable to assist you, or you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, your next option is to call a locksmith or towing service. Both will help you get back in your car and back on the road, but each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It is essential to research both options before choosing a service, and also to store the contact information for both in case you ever need them. Be sure to keep your keys safe by every means. This means you should always keep them in the same spot.
4. Contact a Repair Shop
It is best to prepare in case you lose your keys. In the past, misplacing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Nowadays, this could be a major issue. The good thing is that if you're smart about it, getting an extra car key is not nearly as hard and expensive as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need to determine the kind of key your vehicle has. Traditional keys, with just the mechanical shank that goes into the ignition cylinder, are generally simple to replace. A basic key without a chip will cost between $10 and $12. The most recent vehicles have keys that have security chips built in. These keys must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Replacement keys for these cars could cost up to $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however the process is complex and requires special equipment. Locksmiths may also be able to perform this procedure however it is important to choose a locksmith with the proper skills and experience.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be utilized. A worker will trace the contours of the working key. This way, they'll be able to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the original key's cuts. The only downside is that you won't be able to drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you'd like to test this method, you will require a driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code needed to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also save money on the cost of programming by having the key cut from a new one and then trying to reset it yourself. You can find the instructions in the owner's manual or online.