Seven Reasons Why Spare Key For Car Is So Important
How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your keys to your car could be quite stressful. There are many ways to get them replaced.
Begin by locating them yourself. Take a look in your bags and pockets and walk around the house.
Make sure to bring proof of ownership before visiting a dealership or locksmith. This could be your vehicle's title or registration. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a great idea, since losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. While it's not as easy as it was in the past to obtain an extra car key there are several ways to still get one.
Contacting the dealership is the most efficient method to get a spare key. Dealerships have a record of the security information for every vehicle, and they can locate your car key quickly within their database. However, they'll have to create the key for you, and connect it to your vehicle. This could cost anything from $200 to $500, depending on the location, dealer and the make of your vehicle.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith make you an ordinary key. get a spare car key made is a less expensive alternative to going to the dealer, especially in the case of an older vehicle that doesn't have an advanced key. Check your warranty or insurance policy, or your auto club membership for payment.
The majority of cars today use a sophisticated, expensive key that is extremely difficult to replace. These keys contain an electronic transponder that communicates with the system of the vehicle in order to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart key, it needs to be connected to your vehicle which is only possible at the dealership.
It is 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 expires. If this is the case, it's important to have a spare key and ensure you have it before the lease ends.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it's still worth it to prevent anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It's best to be ready for any scenario. Keep a spare key in a secure location and know what you should do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Call a locksmith
It's no secret that losing your car keys can be an enormous headache for the neck. It can be a bit frustrating to discover that you left your spare car key in the back seat of your car, whether you're at a petrol station or grocery store, or on your way home after work. There are many ways to replace your keys without having to pay a dealership or locksmith.
If you own a traditional key, such as a regular double-edged car key, you can visit your local hardware store to purchase a replacement for less than $10. However, you will have to provide evidence of ownership, like the registration of your vehicle or the title. It may be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced like a smart key or remote fob. It is possible to contact an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to have a new key made.
The majority of modern vehicles have transponder keys that need to be programmed with the car's computer. Locksmiths can do this for you however it is more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can also reset your key using the instructions found in your owner's manual. However, this could be time-consuming and difficult and might not always work.
By having a designated place to keep your keys, you will reduce the chance of them getting lost. You can put a bowl or a key holder on a table next to your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring with you to ensure that you can know where your keys are going to be. You can also attempt to tidy up your home or office, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Just remember that even if you are not someone who loses your keys, it's possible that you could lose them! In the event of an emergency, it's essential to have an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than stranded on the side of the highway!
3. Call a Towing Service
It's a great idea to have an extra set of keys in case you have a problem with losing your car keys often. They're easy to store and cheap and can save you a lot of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have security features that make it more difficult to lock yourself out. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or consider changing your vehicle to one that has it.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the details will depend on what type of key you own and how it was lost. If you have a traditional, non-digitally programmed key, a locksmith can replace it. A smart key could make the process more difficult. The dealer will need to run your VIN and provide proof ownership for an alternative key, which could take a few weeks.
Most car rental firms do not keep spare keys on their premises, but will assist you in resolving the problem. Hertz for instance offers the service of locating keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. However, this service isn't available in the event that you don't buy additional roadside protection.
If you're unable to receive assistance from your rental company, or not having an emergency roadside assistance plan in place then you'll have to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both can help you get back into your vehicle and on the road but each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. It is essential to look into each option and keep the contact information of both providers on hand just in case. Be sure to keep your keys safe by all means. This means you should always put them in the same location.
4. Call a Repair Shop
It's best to plan ahead in case you lose your keys. It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but nowadays it's an issue. The good part is that if aware of it, getting an extra car key is not nearly as hard and expensive as it used to be.
You'll first need to determine the type of key that your vehicle uses. The keys that have mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are easy to replace. A simple key without a chip is priced between $10 and $12. However, modern cars have keys that come with security chips that need to be reprogrammed to the car to unlock the doors or start it. Finding the keys replaced could cost up to $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. This process can also be performed by a locksmith, however you should make sure that they have the appropriate 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 downside to this is that you won't be able drive your vehicle until you've had the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you'd like to try this method you'll need your driver's licence and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN number on these documents to determine the code required to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also lower the cost of programming by getting a new key and then trying to reset it yourself. 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.