Losing your car keys can be extremely stressful. There are several ways to replace them.
The first step is to locate them yourself. Check all your pockets and bags, and look around the house.
Make sure you bring proof of ownership prior to visiting a dealer or a 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 good idea, since losing your car keys could be very costly and stressful. There are still several ways to obtain an extra key for your car, even although it’s not as simple as before.
The easiest method to obtain a spare car key is to contact the dealership. Dealerships keep records of security information for each vehicle and can quickly find yours in their system. They will however require a key for you, and connect it to your vehicle. This could cost anything from $200 to $500 depending on the location, the dealership and make of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith make you the standard key. This is a less expensive alternative to going to the dealer, particularly in the case of an older vehicle which doesn’t come with an advanced 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 the replacement of your key fob.
The majority of cars today use a sophisticated, expensive key that is difficult to replace. These keys have transponder chips that communicates with the vehicle’s system to allow the vehicle to start and unlock the engine. If you lose your smart key, it’ll need to be paired with your vehicle and this can only be done at the dealership.
If your vehicle is leased, your dealer may require you to return two sets of keys or key fobs by the expiration of the lease. It is crucial to have an extra set of keys and key fobs in the event that this occurs.
Getting a spare car key is more expensive than it used to be however it’s still worth it to avoid stress and expensive repairs in the future. It is best to be prepared for any eventuality. Keep the spare key for cars key in a secure location and know what you need to do in the event that your keys are ever lost.
2. Call an expert locksmith
It’s no secret that losing keys to your car can be a real pain in the neck. It can be frustrating to discover that you left the spare car key in the backseat of your vehicle, whether you’re at the gas station, grocery store, or returning home from work. There are several ways to replace your keys without having to pay the locksmith or dealership.
If you have a conventional key, like a regular double-edged car key, you can visit your local hardware store and purchase a replacement key for less than $10. You will need to show proof of ownership such as the registration or title for your vehicle. If you have a more technologically advanced key, such as a remote fob or smart key, it may be harder to replace. You may have to call an emergency locksmith in your area or the manufacturer to get an entirely new key.
Most modern vehicles utilize a transponder key that needs to be programmed by the computer in the vehicle. 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, but this can be difficult and time-consuming, and isn’t always successful.
You can lower the risk of losing your keys in the first place by having a designated location to store keys. You can place a bowl or a key holder on a table near your door. You can also keep a key ring with you at all times, so you are always aware of 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! Remember that even if you’re not someone who loses your keys, it’s still possible that you could forget they are there! It’s crucial to have a backup plan in case this happens. It’s better to be prepared than be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Call a Towing Service
If you’re the kind of person who is constantly losing your car keys, it’s a good idea to get a spare. These are easy to store and affordable, and will save you a lot of stress in the future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it harder to be locked out of the vehicle. Check out the new inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle that has this feature, or think about upgrading your current car keys lost no spare to one with it.
There are a variety of ways to replace your car keys however the exact procedure will vary based on the type of key and how it was misplaced. For instance, if you have a traditional key that isn’t digitally programmed, a locksmith will be able to replace it quickly. A smart key could make the process more difficult. The dealer will need to run the VIN and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an alternative key for you this could take several days.
Car rental companies usually do not keep spare keys in their facilities, but they will often collaborate with you to get the problem resolved. Hertz offers a lost-key assistance as part its premium roadside support plan. The service is not available if you do not purchase additional roadside protection.
If you are unable to receive assistance from your rental company, or not having an emergency roadside assistance plan in place, you’ll need to call locksmiths or a towing service. Both will help you get back into your vehicle and back on the road but each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. It is essential to look into both options and keep the contact details of both providers available in case of emergency. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means that you must always keep them in the same place.
4. Call an Repair Shop
It’s best to plan ahead if you lose your keys. In the past, misplacing your car keys or losing it was a minor inconvenience. Nowadays, this can be a major problem. The good part is that if clever about it, obtaining the spare car key you need isn’t as difficult and costly as it used to be.
You’ll first need to identify the type of key your vehicle is using. Keys made of traditional design, which have a mechanical shank that inserts into the ignition cylinder, are generally simple to replace. A basic key with no chip is priced between $10 and $12. Most recent cars come with keys that have security chips built into them that need to be programmed to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Getting the keys replaced could cost up to $200.
These chips can be reprogrammed at a local dealership however, the process is complex and requires special equipment. This service can also be done by a locksmith, but you must ensure that they have the appropriate equipment and expertise.
Another option is to go to a key cutting shop like AutoZone where an associate will use a key that is working and trace its contours. The key cutting shop will then be able to cut a key that is in line with the original’s cuts. The only drawback is that you won’t be able to drive your car until you have the new key cut and programmed to your vehicle.
If you’re interested in trying this method, make sure you have the original working key along with your driver’s license and evidence of ownership. A locksmith or dealer can decode the VIN number on these documents to locate the code needed to connect a brand new key to your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by having a the key cut from a new one and then attempting 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.