Can Toyota Cut A Key From The VIN? (Explained)
Nothing can be more frustrating than walking towards your car, hoping to hop in for a relaxed ride, only to realize your keys are missing or stuck in the car.
With no spare keys to access the vehicle, cutting the key becomes the only available option.
But all you have is your car VIN. But, can Toyota cut a key from the VIN?
It is relieving to know that Toyota can cut a new key for your car using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). All you need to do is present your photo identification, proof of ownership of the vehicle, and your VIN. As soon as Toyota can trace a key code out of the VIN, they can cut a new key.
Can You Cut a Key by VIN?
It is possible to have car keys cut by VIN. You can achieve this by using the key code found in the key VIN.
The key codes are five alphanumeric digits with which the dealership can get a car key out for your Toyota key replacement.
One of the reasons a VIN is present in newer vehicles is to allow for car key replacement to prevent car owners from being stranded when there’s a misplacement of car key originals or an incidence of lost car keys with no spare ones available.
When manufacturers make locks on vehicles, the manufacturer attaches a unique key code to the car, secured alongside the key VIN. The code is peculiar to that vehicle alone.
Once you desire a Toyota key replacement, the dealership demands the code and enters it into a particular key cutter in the form of a computer that cuts a key to match your vehicle.
Where the car uses a transponder chip key, after cutting the key, a piece of equipment is attached to the vehicle to program the security information of the vehicle so the key can start and function with the car.
Also, the transponder chip key, which is programmed to protect the car against theft of any kind, is reprogrammed by the dealership and uses a unique scanner tool to reprogramme the key so the car can recognize and function with the key.
The use of key codes from the car key VIN is essential as it is the only means through which a car key replacement can be made possible when there’s a case of lost car keys or when the older keys used by the car are too worn out to be traced out.
As important as the key codes are, they are not found in all vehicles as this seems to be a recent development to offer a more convenient service to car owners.
Can a Dealership Cut a Key with just the VIN?
With just your VIN and proof of vehicle ownership, the dealership is sure to get a car key replacement for your car.
This process is convenient because you can find the key VIN easily on different parts of the car.
Areas such as the dashboard on the drivers’ seat at the windshield base, the driver’s side door job, the car’s insurance card, paperwork, and the owner’s manual.
Additionally, because the key VIN is uniquely made for each car, no two vehicles have the exact VIN even if they’re precise of the same make, model, or even manufactured on the same day.
For this reason, with the Key VIN, the key to the car can be cut out quickly and functions with just your car alone to ensure maximum security.
When you find difficulties in locating these places, you can contact any local locksmith close to you to help get the keycodes anywhere it is located in the car.
Also, if the documents are not available to you to get the key VIN, you’ll need to reach the company by phone for the car key VIN.
Nevertheless, the company cannot easily access all vehicles’ car key VIN.
For instance, Toyota does not keep the key VIN of their cars older than ten years.
So, the company may take time to retrieve the key VIN for vehicles in this category.
How Much Does Toyota Charge to Cut Keys?
There’s no fixed charge for all Toyota vehicles, which varies with the model.
Toyota vehicles have several models with different keys, such as the Toyota smart key, remote head key, transponder chip key, etc.
So, the key type determines the amount charged for such a car key cut.
Older vehicle keys cost less to cut compared to newer ones.
The reason is that more recent vehicles have programmed keys to function with the car.
To Cut a Toyota smart key and program it alongside can cost about $260 – $400.
Mechanical keys, which seem to be the cheapest as they don’t require programming, can cost less than $7- $10.
Rare vehicle keys can cost about $25 for Toyota key replacement.
The transponder chip key, also depending on the type and style, will cost nothing less than $10 – $80.
Additionally, the programming of the key is usually $50 – $100. So, the programming of the key above all factors increases the cost of Toyota key replacement.
Also, note that the charges are also dependent on the area and the labor cost.
I have discovered that cutting a key with a local locksmith is way cheaper than with the dealership.
For example, if you are to cut a key with the dealership, the car must be towed to their outlet for the keys to be fixed.
Whereas with a locksmith, all you need is your key replacement VIN and a Toyota key replacement will be made available to you within a short time.
Also, if you decide to get the Toyota key replacement online instead of going through a dealership or a locksmith, it is necessary to know that the transponder chip key won’t work with the car until it is programmed.
A locksmith’s service will be required to do this, leading to an extra cost.
The locksmith can help save about 50% of the amount you’ll spend if you’re going through a dealership or getting a car key cut online.
The locksmith and other auto repair shops have the credentials and equipment to program the vehicle and give the same desired result a dealership will provide.
Some people are scared of going to a local locksmith because they fear it’s unsafe as you will have to share private information.
And Toyota manufacturers, in a bid to curb this problem, have taken actions to cover up this shortcoming to ensure maximum safety of their customers.
Toyota manufacturers have few locksmiths authorized and recommended to make your Toyota key replacement with your key replacement VIN.
With this, you can be sure of your safety as these locksmiths are trustworthy and can be tracked down quickly if the need arises.
Read More: Does Honda Dealership Make Keys?
Conclusion
Toyota vehicles, just like every other vehicle, can cut a key with your VIN.
With evidence of ownership of the car, photo identification, and the VIN of the vehicle, a key code can easily be pulled out, and with it, a new key can be cut.
So in the incidence of a lost or misplaced key, panicking should be the last resort, as with your VIN, you’re sure to get access to your car again.
