How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. Luckily, there are spare car key cost to get them replaced.
Find them first by yourself. Check all your pockets and bags and walk around the house.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership with you prior to visiting a dealer or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's beneficial to have an extra key for your car as losing them can be costly and stressful. While it's not as easy as it was in the past to get a spare car key, there are several ways to still find one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest way to obtain a spare key. Dealerships keep a record of security details for each vehicle and can quickly find your key in their database. However, they will require a key for you as well as join it to your car. It could cost between $200 and $500 based on the location, dealer and model of your car.
A locksmith can also give you an ordinary-sized key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially 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 for payment.
The majority of cars today have keys that are sophisticated and expensive that is hard to replace. These keys have a transponder chip that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be paired with your vehicle, which can only be done at the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, the dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs by the end of the lease. If this is the case, it's important to have a spare and ensure you have it before your lease ends.
It's more expensive to purchase a spare key, however it's still worth it if you want to save yourself from stress and costly repairs in the near future. It is best to be prepared for any scenario. Keep your spare key in a safe place and know what you need to do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Contact a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing keys to your car is a hassle. If you're at a gas station, the grocery store or on your way home from work, it can be very painful to discover that you've left your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can usually visit your local hardware store and get a replacement key for less than $10. However, you'll require proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. If you own a more technologically advanced key, like a remote fob or a smart key, it could be harder to replace. It is possible to contact your local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key designed for you.
The majority of modern vehicles have a transponder key that needs to be programmed using the computer in the vehicle. Locksmiths can help you do this however it is more expensive than simply replacing an old key. You can reset your key by following the instructions in your owner’s manual. However, this could be time-consuming and complex and might not always work.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you can lower the risk of them getting lost. You can hang a key holder close to your door, or put them in a bowl on a table. You can also keep a key ring around you at all times, so that you always know where your keys are. You can also declutter your office or home since a messy home could increase the likelihood that you will lose things. Keep in mind that even if the keys aren't lost, you might lose them. In the event of an emergency, it's essential to create an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared than stranded on the side of the road!
3. Call toll-free Towing Service
If you're the kind of person who is constantly losing your car keys it is a good idea to get a spare. They are simple to store and affordable, and will save you a lot of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it more difficult to lock yourself out. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or consider upgrading your current vehicle to one that has it.
There are a variety of ways to get your car keys replaced, the exact procedure will depend on the type of key you have and how it was lost. If you have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. A smart key can make the process more complicated. The dealer will have to verify your VIN and provide proof of ownership for a new key, which can take several weeks.
The majority of car rental firms do not keep spare keys on-site however they will work with you to resolve the problem. Hertz offers a lost-key service as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is not available if you don't purchase additional roadside insurance.
If you're unable to get help from your rental provider, or not having an emergency roadside service plan with them then you'll have to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both can help you get back in your car and on the road, but each has advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research both options before choosing a service, and also to keep the contact details for both in case you ever require them. Also, you should avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same spot every time, and not leaving them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead when you lose your keys. It wasn't long ago that losing your keys was an inconvenience, but now it's often a big problem. If you're intelligent, it's not nearly as difficult or expensive to get a spare key like it once was.
The first thing you'll have to do is determine what type of key your vehicle 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 a chip can cost between $10 and $12. The most recent vehicles come with keys that have security chips built in. These keys must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or to start the vehicle. Keys replacement for these cars can cost as much as $200.
The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however, the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. This service is also attainable by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they have the appropriate equipment and expertise.
A key cutting shop such as AutoZone can also be utilized. An associate will trace the contours of an operational key. The key cutting shop will be able to cut a key that is in line with the original's cuts. The only downside is that you won't be able to drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you're interested in trying this method, ensure you bring the working key along with your driver's license and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN on these documents to locate the code required to pair a key with your car.
You can also lower the cost of programming by getting a new key made and then attempting to reset it yourself. Most manufacturers will include instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual. Alternatively, you can simply look up "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.