The Hidden Secrets Of Spare Key For Car How to Get Spare Key For Car

Losing your keys to your car could be a stressful experience. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to get them replaced.

The first step is to locate them yourself. Look in your bags, pockets and even the whole house.

Be sure to bring proof of ownership with you before you visit a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your car's title or registration. This will help you save money.

1. Contact Your Dealership

It's beneficial to have an extra key for your car as losing them can be expensive and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it used to be to find an extra car key, there are many ways to get one.

Contacting the dealership is the quickest method to get a spare key. Dealerships keep a record of the security details for every vehicle, and they can locate your key quickly in their system. However, they'll have to create the key for you as well as connect it to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 to $500, based on where you live and the dealership you choose, and the make of your vehicle.

A locksmith can also create you an ordinary-sized key. This can be cheaper than going to the dealer in particular if your car is older and doesn't come with an upgraded key. It is also advisable to check your car's warranty, car-insurance policy or auto club membership to see whether they'll pay for a new key fob.

Today's vehicles use a sophisticated key, which is much more expensive to replace than a conventional key. They have transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle's systems to unlock and start the engine. If you lose your smart keys, they will need to be paired with your vehicle. This can only be done by the dealership.

If your car is leased, the dealer might require that you return two sets of keys or key fobs at end of the lease. It is important to have a second set of keys and key fobs in case this occurs.

The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it used to be however it's still worth it to prevent stress and expensive repairs in the future. It is always advisable to be prepared before you encounter a problem, so ensure you keep your spare keys in an area that is secure and be aware of what to do in the event that you should lose your car keys.

2. Contact a locksmith

It's no secret that losing your car keys can be a nightmare. It can be very frustrating to discover that you've forgotten your spare car keys in the back of your vehicle, whether you're at a gas station, grocery store, or just returning home from work. There are a few ways to replace your keys without having to pay for the locksmith or the dealership.

If you have an old key such as a double-edged key, you can get an alternative one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership such as the registration or title of your vehicle. If you own a more technologically advanced key, like a remote fob or a smart key, it could be harder to replace. You might have to contact a local locksmith or the manufacturer to get an entirely new key.

The majority of modern vehicles have transponder keys that have to be programmed using the vehicle's computer. A locksmith can assist you with this however, it's more expensive than simply replacing a traditional key. You can reset your key by following the instructions provided in your owner's manual. However, this can be time-consuming and complex and might not always work.

You can lower the risk of losing your keys in the first place by having a designated space to keep them. You can put an empty bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. You can keep a key ring on your person at all times to ensure that you know where your keys are. You can also try to declutter your home or office, as a messy environment can make it easier to lose things! Just remember that even if you are not the type to lose your keys, it's possible to lose them! In case of an emergency, it's important to prepare an emergency plan. It's better to be prepared than to be stranded on the side of the road!

3. Contact a Towing Service

If you're the kind of person who frequently loses your car keys, it's a good idea to get an extra. They're fairly inexpensive and simple to keep around and will help you avoid a lot of stress in the future. A lot of newer cars have safety features that make it harder to get locked out of the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your vehicle to one that has it.

While there are many ways to get your car key replaced, the specifics will depend on the type of key you have 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, this can be a more complicated process. The dealer must run the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which may take some time.

Most car rental companies do not keep spare keys on-site, but will help you resolve the problem. Hertz, for example, does offer the service of locating keys as part of its premium roadside assistance plan. This service is only available if you don't purchase additional roadside coverage.

If you're unable to get assistance from your rental company or in the event that you don't have an emergency roadside service plan with them then you'll have to call a locksmith or a towing service. Both can allow you to get back to your vehicle and on the roads, but they each have advantages and disadvantages of their own. It is important to study both options before choosing a provider, and to keep the contact information for both in case you ever require them. Don't lose your keys by every means. This means you should always put them in the same place.

4. Call a Repair Shop

If you lose your car keys, it's always best to have a plan for getting back in the vehicle. It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your keys was an inconvenience, but nowadays it can actually be a big problem. The good part is that if aware of it, getting the spare car key you need isn't nearly as difficult and expensive as it was in the past.

The first thing you'll need do is determine what kind of key your vehicle has. The traditional keys with a mechanical shank which inserts into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key that does not have chip costs between $10 to $12. However, more recent automobiles use keys with built-in security chips that need to be programmed into the car in order to open the doors or start it. Keys replacement for these vehicles can cost up to $200.

The chips can be reprogrammed at your local dealer however, the process is a bit complicated and requires special equipment. A locksmith might also be able perform this task, but it's important to find a locksmith who has the right expertise and tools.

A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be used. An associate will trace the contours of an operational key. This way, they'll be able to cut an entirely new key that is in line with the original key's cuts. The only downside is that you won't be able to drive the vehicle until the new key has been cut and programmed.


If you'd like to test this method out you'll require a driver's license and evidence of ownership. A dealer or locksmith will be able to decode the VIN on these documents in order to find the code needed to connect a key to your car.

You can also cut down on the cost of programming by getting a new key made and then attempting to reset it on your own. G28CarKeys can find the instructions in the owner's manual or on the internet.