Ten Common Misconceptions About Spare Key For Car That Arent Always True

How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. There are a variety of ways you can replace them.
Find them first with your own eyes. Take a look in your bags and pockets, and look around the house.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership before you visit a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle registration or title. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
A spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. There are still several methods to obtain an extra key for your vehicle, even although it's not as simple as it was in the past.
The easiest way to get an extra car key is to call the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of the security details for each vehicle and will locate your key quickly in their database. They will however require a key for you, and connect it to your vehicle. It could cost from $200 to $500 depending on the location, dealer and model of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith make you an ordinary key. This is a cheaper alternative to visiting the dealer, especially if you have an older car which doesn't come with an advanced key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, insurance policy or auto club membership to see if they will pay for an entirely new key fob.
The majority of cars today use an expensive, sophisticated key that is difficult to replace. These keys have a transponder chip on them that communicates with the vehicle's systems to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they'll need to be linked to your vehicle. This is only possible through the dealership.
It is important to note that if your car is under lease, the dealer might require you to surrender two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease expires. It is essential to have a second set of keys and key fobs in the event that this happens.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past, but it's still worth it to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared before you have a problem, so make sure to keep your spare keys in a secure location and be aware of what to do in the event that you ever lose your car keys.
2. Call a Locksmith
It's not a secret that losing keys to your car is a hassle. Whether you're at the gas station, the grocery store or on your return from work It can be painful to discover that you've left your spare key in the back of your car! Luckily, there are a few ways to get your keys replaced without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged type you can purchase a new one from your local hardware store for less than $10. However, you will need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle registration or title. It may be more difficult to replace a key that's more advanced in technology, such as an intelligent key or remote fob. You might need to contact your local locksmith, or the manufacturer to have a new key designed for you.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that need to be programmed with the vehicle's computer. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, however it is more expensive than replacing the standard key. You can also reset your key following the steps in your owner's manual, but this can be lengthy and time-consuming, and isn't always successful.
If you have a designated area to keep your keys, you will reduce the chance of them being lost. You can hang a key holder by your door or put them in the form of a bowl on the table. You can always keep a key ring around with you so you can know where your keys are going to be. It is also possible to tidy up your home or office space, as a messy space can make it more likely to lose items. Just remember that even if not the type to lose your keys, it's still possible that you could lose the keys! In case of an emergency, it's essential to have a backup plan. It's better to be prepared than be stuck on the side of the road!
3. Contact toll-free Towing Service
It is a good idea to keep a spare set of keys if you have a problem with losing your car keys often. They are simple to store and are inexpensive and will spare you a great deal of stress in future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it more difficult to lock yourself out. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or think about upgrading your current vehicle to one that has it.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car key replaced, the details will depend on the type of key you own and how it was lost. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed, a locksmith can replace it. If you have a digital key however, it could be a more complex procedure. The dealer will have to verify your VIN and provide proof ownership for an alternative key, which could take several weeks.
Car rental companies typically don't keep spare keys in their facilities however, they'll usually work with you to get the problem resolved. Hertz provides 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.
If your rental company is unable to help you, or you don't have their roadside emergency service plan, your next option is to call a locksmith or towing service. Both can help you get back in your car and on the road, but each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to research each option and keep the contact details of both companies available in case of emergency. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means placing them in the same place every time, and not leaving them in your pocket of your coat or on top of your car when parking.
4. Call a Repair Shop
When you lose your car keys, it's always better to have a strategy for getting back in your vehicle. It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your key was just an inconvenience, but today it's an issue. The good part is that if clever about it, obtaining a spare car key isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it used to be.
The first thing you'll need do is determine what kind of key your car has. Keys made of traditional design, which have a mechanical shank that inserts into the ignition cylinder, are usually easy to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost around $10-$12. The most recent vehicles come with keys with security chips in that must be programmed to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Finding a replacement for these keys could cost up to $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer, but the process is a bit complicated and requires specialized equipment. This service is also attainable by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they are equipped with the proper tools and experience.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone is also a possibility. A worker 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 drawback is that you will not be able to drive your vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.
If you'd like to try this method out you'll require a driver's license and proof of ownership. A dealer or locksmith can decode the VIN on these documents in order to find the code needed to pair your key with your car.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having a new key cut and then trying to reset it yourself. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in the owner's manual. Alternatively, you can simply search for "How to program a (your year model, make and year) key" online.