How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be a very stressful experience. There are many ways to replace keys.
Find them first by yourself. Check all your pockets and bags and then look around the home.
Before you visit the locksmith or dealership ensure that you have evidence of ownership like your registration number or title for your vehicle. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It's beneficial to have a spare key for your car, since losing them can be costly and stressful. While it isn't as easy as it was in the past to find an extra car key there are several ways to get one.
Contacting the dealership is the easiest method to obtain a replacement key. Dealerships have a record of the security information for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their database. However, they will need to make the key for you as well as join it to your car. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the location, dealer and make of your car.
A locksmith can also make you an ordinary-sized key. This is a much cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially if you have an older vehicle that doesn't have an upgraded key. You should check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership for details on how to pay.
The majority of cars today use a sophisticated key, which is much more expensive to replace than a traditional key. They have transponders that communicate with the system of the vehicle in order to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be paired back to your vehicle and this can only be done at the dealership.
It is important to remember that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer could require you to turn in two sets of keys and key fobs after the lease is up. It is crucial to have a spare set of keys and key fobs just in case this happens.
It's more expensive to purchase a spare key, however it's still worth it if you wish to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared before you face a problem so make sure to keep a spare in a safe place and be aware of what to do in the event that you lose your car keys.
2. Contact a locksmith
It's not a secret that losing car keys can be a nightmare. If you're at a gas station, grocery store or on your way home from work It can be difficult to realize that you have left your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are many ways to replace your keys without having to pay an auto dealer or locksmith.
If you have an old key such as a double-edged key, you can get a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You'll need to provide proof of ownership such as the title or registration for your vehicle. It could be more difficult to replace a key which is more advanced in technology like a smart key or a remote fob. You may have to call an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to have a new key made.
Transponder keys are found in a majority of modern automobiles. They have to be programmed into the computer of the vehicle. A locksmith can help you do this however it is more expensive than replacing the traditional key. You can also reset your key by following the directions in your owner's manual, however, this is laborious and time-consuming, and it isn't always successful.
If you have a designated area to store your keys, you can lower the risk of them being lost. You can put a bowl or a key holder on a table near your door. You can also keep a key ring on you at all times, so you are always aware of where your keys are. You can also try to organize your office or home 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 that you could forget they are there! In the event of an emergency, it's essential to create an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared than being stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call a Towing Service
It is a good idea to have a spare set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys frequently. They're fairly inexpensive and easy to keep in your car and can help you avoid a lot of anxiety in the near future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it more difficult to get locked out of the vehicle. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or consider upgrading your vehicle to one that has it.
There are many ways to replace your car key however the exact procedure will vary based on the type of key and how it was misplaced. If you own a traditional key that is not digitally programmed a locksmith can replace it. If you have a digital key, however, this can be a more complex process. The dealer will need to check your VIN and provide proof ownership for an alternative key, which can take several weeks.
Car rental companies usually don't keep spare keys in their facilities However, they'll often collaborate with you to get the problem resolved. Hertz for instance offers the service of locating keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However this service isn't provided if you don't purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental provider isn't able to help you, or you do not have their emergency roadside service plan, the next step is to contact an towing service or locksmith. Both of them can get you back into your vehicle and on the road, but each has advantages and disadvantages. It is important to study both options and keep the contact details of both providers on hand just in case. Don't lose your keys by all means. This means putting them in the same spot every time and not putting them in the pocket of your coat or on the top of your car when parking.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to prepare in case you lose your keys. It wasn't so long ago that losing your key was just an inconvenience, but nowadays it's a big problem. The good thing is that if you're aware of it, getting a spare car key isn't nearly as difficult and costly as it was in the past.
The first thing you'll have to identify the kind of key your car has. Traditional keys, with just an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder are typically simple to replace. spare renault key card that does not have a chip will cost around $10-$12. The most recent vehicles have keys with security chips in. These keys must be programmed to unlock doors or start the car. Replacement keys for these cars can cost up to $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however, the process is complicated and requires special equipment. This service is also attainable by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the right tools and experience.
Another option is to go to 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 cuts. The only drawback is that you won't be able to drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmable to the vehicle.
If you're considering trying this method, make sure you bring the actual working key along with your driver's license and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN on these documents in order to locate the code required to pair your key with your car.
You can also lower the cost of programming by getting a new key made and then trying to reset it on your own. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual, or you can simply search for "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.