The Spare Key For Car Mistake That Every Newbie Makes
How to Get Spare Key For Car
Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. Luckily, there are several ways to get them replaced.
Find them first with your own eyes. Check your pockets, bags and the entire house.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership before visiting a dealership or a locksmith. This could be your vehicle's title or registration. This will help you save money.
1. Contact Your Dealership

Having a spare car key is a great option, since losing your car keys could be extremely costly and stressful. Although it's not as simple as it was in the past to get an extra car key there are several ways you can still get one.
The easiest way to get a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep a record of security information for each vehicle and can quickly find yours in their system. They will need to create you a key and pair it to your car. It could cost between $200 and $500 depending on the location you live in and the dealership you choose and the model of your car.
A locksmith can also give you keys of standard size. This is less expensive than going to the dealership particularly if your vehicle is older and doesn't come with an advanced key. You should check your warranty and insurance policy or auto club membership for payment.
The majority of cars today have an expensive, sophisticated key that is hard to replace. The keys are equipped with an electronic transponder that communicates with a vehicle's system for unlocking and start the vehicle. If you lose your smart key, it will need to be connected to your vehicle which is only possible at the dealership.
It is important to note that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer could require you to surrender two sets of keys and key fobs once the lease expires. It is important to have a spare set of keys and key fobs in case this occurs.
The cost of a spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past, but it's still worthwhile to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It is best to be prepared for any scenario. Keep a spare key in a safe location and be aware of what you need to do if your keys are ever lost.
2. Call a locksmith
It's no secret that losing car keys can be a real pain in the neck. When you're at the gas station, at the grocery store, or on your return from work It can be difficult to realize that you've forgotten your spare key in the back of your car! Luckily, there are a few options to get your keys replaced without having to pay the locksmith or dealership.
If you have an old key, like a double-edged one you can purchase a new one at your local hardware store for less than $10. You'll need evidence of ownership, like the registration or title of your vehicle. If you have a more technologically advanced key, for instance a remote fob or smart key, it might be more difficult to replace. You might have to contact a local locksmith or the manufacturer to have an entirely new key.
Most modern vehicles use transponder keys that have to be programmed using the vehicle's computer. A locksmith can help you do this, but it will be more expensive than simply replacing the traditional key. You could also try to reset your key following the instructions in the owner's manual, however, this is difficult and time-consuming, and will not always work.
You can lessen the chance of losing your keys in the first place by having a designated place to put keys. You can put an empty bowl or key holder on a table next to your door. It is always a good idea to keep a key ring close to you to can know where your keys are going to be. You can also tidy up your home or office, as a messy space could increase the likelihood that you will lose things. Be aware that even if your keys aren't lost, you could lose them. In case of an emergency, it's important to create an emergency plan. It's always better to be prepared rather than being stuck on the side of the highway!
3. Call a Towing Service
If you are the type of person who regularly loses your car keys it is a good idea to get a spare. These are easy to store and cheap and will spare you a lot of stress in future. A lot of newer cars have security features that make it harder to get locked out of the vehicle. Check out the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a car with this feature, or consider upgrading your current vehicle to one that has it.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car keys but the details will differ based on the type of key and how it was misplaced. For instance, if you have a traditional key that isn't digitally programmed, locksmiths should be able to replace it quickly. A smart key could make the process more complicated. The dealer must check your VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key, which could take several weeks.
Car rental companies usually do not keep spare keys in their facilities however, they'll usually work with you to get the issue resolved. Hertz for instance, does offer a lost key service as part of its premium roadside assistance plan.
spare car key cut is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental provider isn't able to help you, or you don't have their emergency roadside service plan, the next option is to call a towing service or locksmith. Both of them can help you get back in your vehicle and on the road, but each has advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research the options before settling on a service, and also to store the contact information for both in case you ever require them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means you should always keep them in the same place.
4. Call an Repair Shop
If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to have a plan to return in your vehicle. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was a minor inconvenience. Nowadays, this can be a major problem. The good news is that if you're aware of it, getting the spare car key you need isn't as difficult and costly as it used to be.
First, you'll need to identify the type of key that your vehicle uses. The traditional keys with mechanical shanks that insert into the ignition are easy to replace. A basic key that does not have a chip will cost around $10-$12. The majority of modern cars have keys with security chips built in that must be reprogrammed into the car to unlock doors or start the car. Getting the keys replaced can cost as much as $200.
The process of changing the chip's programming is complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. Locksmiths may also be able to perform this procedure but it's crucial to choose a locksmith with the right expertise and tools.
A key cutting shop like AutoZone can also be utilized. A staff member 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 downside to this 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 try this method out you'll need your driver's licence and proof of ownership. A locksmith or dealer will decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code required to connect a new key to your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by getting an entirely new key created and then trying to reset it yourself. The majority of manufacturers will provide instructions on how to do this in their owner's manual. Alternatively, you can simply look up "How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key" online.