Getting a second key for your car isn’t always easy, especially if you have a modern vehicle with a push-to-start button. However, several ways may allow you to easily add another key to your car.
Here are tips on how can I get a second key for my car.
- Steal the key from an identical model of the same year/make/model – This is the best option if you have access to an identical car. It’s easier than it sounds because every car has a code stamped onto its key, so all you need to do is take your key apart and match up the numbers/letters on the inside with those of the second key. If you happen to find yourself in this scenario, please see a mechanic have the second key programmed for your car.
- Borrow one from a friend – Not exactly what you’re after, but if you can find a friend with an identical vehicle and an extra key, then borrowing it is your best bet. If you don’t know anyone who owns a replica of your ride, you can’t go wrong with a photocopy.
- Get your dealership to cut you a key – This is the most expensive route, but it’s guaranteed to work and will be programmed specifically for your vehicle without any issues down the line. If money is no object, then this is the way to go.
- Make one from a spare – This is a cheap alternative, but it can run you into trouble if you don’t program the key yourself or have your local auto-locksmith do it. If you find the right key online and cut it out yourself, then programming it with your car’s ECU will be straightforward enough for anyone familiar with computers.
- Find one online – This is the most likely route you’ll take, and it’s more affordable than your local dealership or auto locksmith. You can find a variety of keys on eBay for under $30 that will fit directly into your ignition and work like a charm; however, these keys may not be programmed to start your car. If that’s the case, then follow the instructions on your local locksmith or auto-repair shop’s website to program it yourself (it only takes a few minutes).
- Make one from scratch – This is when you cut out your key for your ignition, and it will work like any other; however, unless you have experience in removing locks or have a friend who can, don’t attempt this without help.
- Get another car – This isn’t always possible because not everyone has the means to purchase another vehicle. However, it’s undoubtedly the cheapest way to get around when your key breaks or gets lost. If you truly hate walking, then consider saving up for your next ride.
- Borrow one from your car dealership – If you’re willing to pay a little something for the favor, then contacting someone at your local car dealership may get you back on the road again in no time. Dealerships are often willing to cut new sets of keys or provide spare ones for customers who want to borrow them.
- Hire a locksmith – If you’re in dire need of another key, then calling your local locksmith is probably the best way to go about getting one. A locksmith will be able to cut you an extra set for your ignition and program it in no time at all; not only that, but they’ll also be able to make you a second remote if your car comes equipped with one.
- Call a tow truck – This isn’t the preferred method, but it’ll certainly get you home in time for dinner. If any of these solutions don’t work out for you, call a local tow-truck company and see what they can do for you. The only downside to this option is that you’ll have to pay for it, but you probably won’t have much of a choice when your car stays immobile in the parking lot.
- Ask the service department at the dealer where you bought your car
If your car has been manufactured recently, dealers will record when it stopped making copies of keys. If this date is relatively recent, they should be able to make a copy in a limited time – sometimes even within a half hour.
- Look for a locksmith who does key cutting by code or on an electronic key machine
If you have a really old car, then there’s no chance of getting a new key from the dealer without having to pay an arm and a leg. In this case, it is worthwhile to find a locksmith who can cut the key by code. The advantage of this method is that you will receive a second key with no problems whatsoever.
- Repair the damaged keys yourself
You can also look for leaflets in which people are looking to buy or sell their old parts – or even go online and search for offers on classifieds platforms. However, you should only buy an already cut second key – if you can not find one, it is better to do the work yourself.
- Use replacement keys for older vehicles
While these are very expensive, they are guaranteed identical to your current key. These may be available through specialist merchants (e.g., for classic cars). Even though you have to pay a lot of money, it is the cheapest way to produce a second key for your car.
- Use replacement keys for vehicles whose cylinders were changed.
This applies if you brought your car around 1998 and up – provided that you had the cylinder lock installed by an authorized dealer at that time. If this is the case, then there is a chance that you can get your locksmith to cut the key for your vehicle.
When it comes to how I can get a second key for my car, you have countless options – but these are fifteen of the best ideas out there.
If all else fails, you can always try asking family or friends for help – or you can go back to the dealer and pay for a second key.
Remember that before you do anything, it’s worth checking with your insurance company to determine if this will invalidate any of your coverages.
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