15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Spare Key For Car
How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys can be very stressful. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to get them replaced.
Begin by locating them yourself. Take a look in your bags and pockets, and look around the home.
Before you go to the dealership or a locksmith be sure to bring proof of ownership such as your vehicle registration or title. This will save you some money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
Having a spare car key is a good idea, since losing your car keys can be extremely costly and stressful. There are many ways to get an extra key for your car, even it's not as straightforward as before.
The simplest way to obtain a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships have a record of the security information for each vehicle and will find yours quickly in their database. However, they will need to make the key for you and pair it with your vehicle. This can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the location, dealership and the make of your vehicle.
A locksmith can also give you keys of standard size. This can be cheaper than going to the dealer particularly if your vehicle is older and doesn't have a more advanced key. Check your warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership for payment.
Today's vehicles use a sophisticated key that is more expensive to replace than a standard key. The keys are equipped with transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's system to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart key, it'll need to be connected to your vehicle and this can only be done at the dealership.
It's important to remember that if your vehicle is under lease, the dealer might require you to turn in two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease expires. If this is the case, you need to have a spare key and ensure you have it when your lease expires.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worth it to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It's always best to be prepared before you face a problem so ensure you keep a spare key in an area that is secure and know what to do if you lose your car keys.
2. Call a Locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys can be a nightmare. If you're at a gas station, at the grocery store, or on the way home from work, it can be very frustrating to realize that you have left your spare key in the back seat of your car! There are several ways to replace your keys without paying an expensive locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old key like a double-edged type or a double-edged key, you can purchase an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show evidence of ownership, like the registration or title for your vehicle. It may 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 created.
Most modern vehicles utilize a transponder key that needs to be programmed by the vehicle's computer. This can be done by a locksmith, however it is more expensive than replacing a standard key. You can also reset your key by following the instructions in your owner's manual, however, it can be lengthy and time-consuming, and isn't always successful.
By having a designated place to store your keys, you can reduce the chances of them getting lost. You can hang a key holder close to your door or place them in an empty bowl on tables. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring around with you so you know where your keys will be. You can also try to tidy up your office or home, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Remember that even if your keys aren't lost, you might forget them. It's important to have an emergency plan in case this happens. It's always better to be prepared than stuck on the side of the road!
3. Call a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who regularly loses your car keys it is recommended to purchase a spare. These are easy to store and are inexpensive and will spare you a great deal of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have safety features which make it much more difficult to be locked out of the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or think about changing your vehicle to one that has it.
There are many ways to replace your car keys, but the specifics will differ based on the type of key you have and the way it was lost. For instance, if have an old-fashioned key that's not digitally programmed, a locksmith is likely to be able replace it easily. A smart key could make the process more difficult. The dealer must run your VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which can take a few weeks.
Car rental companies generally do not keep spare keys in their facilities however, they'll usually work with you to get the issue resolved. Hertz offers a lost-key service as part its premium roadside support plan. However this service isn't provided when you don't purchase additional roadside protection coverage.
If your rental company can't assist you, or if you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next step is to contact a locksmith or towing service. Both can get you back in your car and on the roads, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It's important to research each option before selecting 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 that you must always put them in the same place.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It's best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car keys or losing it was a minor issue. Today, this can be a major issue. If you're clever, it's not as costly or difficult to get an extra key as it was.
The first thing you'll need to identify the kind of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are easy to replace. A simple key without a chip is priced between $10 and $12. Most recent cars come with keys with security chips in that must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or to start the vehicle. link webpage for these vehicles can cost up to $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. This procedure can also be performed by a locksmith, but you should make sure that they have the right tools and experience.
Another option is to go to an establishment that cuts keys, such as AutoZone, where an associate will take a working key 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 allowed to drive your vehicle until you have the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you'd like to test this method, you will require your driver's license as well as proof of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN on these documents to determine the key code needed to pair a key with your car.
You can also lower the cost of programming by purchasing a new key made and then attempting to reset it on your own. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Or, you can look up "How to program a (your year, make and model) key" online.