Losing your car keys could be extremely stressful. Luckily, there are several methods to replace them.
First, try to locate them yourself. Take a look in your bags and pockets and then look around the house.
Before you visit the dealership or a locksmith, make sure to have proof of ownership such as your registration number or title for your vehicle. This will save you money.
1. Contact Your Dealership
It’s a good idea to have a spare key for your car, since losing them could be costly and stressful. While it’s not as easy as it was in the past to get a spare car key, there are several ways to still obtain one.
Contacting the dealership is the quickest method to get a spare car key cost key. Dealerships keep a record of security information for each vehicle and will be able to locate yours in their system. They will need to create you a key and connect it to your vehicle. This could cost anything from $200 to $500, depending on the location, dealership and model of your car.
Another alternative is to have a locksmith design you the standard key. This is less expensive than going to the dealer, especially if your car is older and doesn’t come with an upgraded key. It’s also important to verify your car’s warranty, car-insurance policy, or auto club membership to see whether they’ll cover the replacement of your key fob.
The majority of cars today have a sophisticated, expensive key that is difficult to replace. They have transponders that communicate with the system of the vehicle to allow you to unlock and start the car. If you lose your smart key, it’ll need to be paired back to your vehicle and this is only possible at the dealership.
It’s important to remember that if your vehicle is on lease, the dealer might have you turn in two sets of keys and key fobs when the lease expires. If this is the case, it’s crucial to have a spare key and ensure you have it before your lease is up.
A spare car key is more expensive than it was in the past however it’s still worth it to avoid anxiety and costly repairs in the future. It’s best to be ready for any scenario. Keep your spare key in a safe location and know what you need to do if your keys ever get lost.
2. Contact a locksmith
It’s not a secret that losing car keys can be a nightmare. Whether you’re at the gas station, grocery store, or on your way home from work It can be difficult to realize that you’ve left your spare keys for car key in the back of your car! There are many ways to replace your keys without paying a dealership or locksmith.
If you own a traditional key, such as a standard double-edged car key, you are able to go to a local hardware store and get an alternative for less than $10. You’ll need to provide proof of ownership like the registration or title for your vehicle. It could be more difficult to replace a key that is more technologically advanced, such as a smart key or a remote fob. You may have to call a local locksmith or the manufacturer to have a new key created.
Most modern vehicles utilize a transponder key that needs to be programmed using the car’s computer. This can be accomplished by a locksmith, however it is more expensive than replacing a standard key. You can also try to reset your key by following the instructions in the owner’s manual, however, this is difficult and time-consuming, and it isn’t always successful.
If you have a designated spot to store your keys you will reduce the chance of them being lost. You can hang a key holder by your door or place them in an empty bowl on a table. You can keep a key ring on you at all times so that you know where your keys are. It is also a good idea to tidy up your home or office because a messy space can make it easier to lose things! Be aware that even if you’re not someone who loses your keys, it’s still possible that you’ll forget they are there! It’s crucial to have a backup plan in the event that this occurs. It’s better to be prepared than be stuck at the side of the road!
3. Call toll-free Towing Service
If you are the type of person who frequently loses your car keys it is a good idea to get an extra. They’re fairly inexpensive and easy to keep on hand and will save you lots of stress in the future. Many newer cars come with security features that make it harder to gain access to the vehicle. Take a look at the latest inventory at Longo Toyota to find a vehicle with this feature, or think about changing your vehicle to one with this feature.
There are a myriad of ways to get your car keys replaced, the details will depend on the kind of key you have and how it was lost. If you have a traditional key that is not digitally programmed, locksmiths can replace it. A smart key can make the process more difficult. The dealer must run the VIN and provide proof of ownership to obtain a replacement key this could take some time.
The majority of car rental firms do not keep spare keys on their premises however, they will help you resolve the problem. Hertz offers a lost-key assistance as part of its premium roadside support plan. This service is only offered if you do not purchase additional roadside protection.
If your rental company can’t help you, or you don’t have their roadside emergency service plan, the next option is to call a towing service or locksmith. Both can help you get back into your vehicle and on the road but each comes with advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to research the options before settling on the best one, and to keep the contact details for both in case you ever need them. Also, try to avoid losing your keys in the first place. This means you should always put them in the same spot.
4. Contact an Repair Shop
It is best to plan ahead when you lose your keys. In the past, losing your car key or losing it was a minor issue. Today, this can be a major issue. If you’re smart, it’s not as difficult or expensive to find a spare key as it was.
The first thing you’ll need do is determine what kind of key your car has. Keys that are traditional, having an electronic shank that is inserted into the ignition cylinder, are typically simple to replace. A basic key with no chip is priced between $10 and $12. The majority of modern cars come with keys with security chips built in that must be programmed to unlock doors or start the vehicle. Getting the keys replaced could cost up to $200.
The process of programming these chips is a complex process and requires specialized equipment. This service is also attainable by a locksmith, however you must ensure that they have the appropriate tools and know-how.
Another option is to visit 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 matches the original’s cuts. The only drawback is that you won’t be able to drive your vehicle until the new key is cut and programmed.
If you’d like to test 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 find the code that’s needed to pair a new key with your vehicle.
You can also cut down on the cost of programming by getting a new key and then trying to reset it on your own. Most manufacturers will have instructions on how to do this in their owner’s manual. Alternatively, you can simply search for “How to program a (your year model, year, and make) key” online.