Losing Your Truck Key? Here's What to Do
Your business could lose time and money when you lose your truck keys. It can also cause unnecessary stress and stop important workflow.
The most obvious cost is getting an entirely new key. Locksmiths are able to duplicate older keys but for cars of the present dealers need to purchase the key to electronically connect it to the computer chip in the car.
1. Retract your Steps
Sometimes, we misplace our keys without noticing. Sometimes, we hop in the car to run an easy errand only to forget they're sitting on the seat. Maybe we forget they're there when we return home after a long and tiring day. Remember that most items lost will eventually be found, so don't panic.
Instead, retrace your steps. Begin by going back to the last time you had keys. This will give you somewhere to begin your search, before resorting to frantic measures like hitting the door frame with a hard object or purchasing a key extracting tool. Fago suggests using a paperclip or wire hanger to secure the broken piece and the ignition cylinder in case the key has broken inside the ignition.
3. Contact a Tow Truck
If you are unable to locate your keys, then it's time to contact a tow truck. Do some research on the local companies that offer auto-locksmith and towing services. Find out what their fees are and what their policies are regarding lost keys. This will help you avoid being charged too much or being mistreated in the event of a crisis.
The cost of a replacement key can vary widely depending on the kind of vehicle you have and the type of key you're trying to replace. The best way to get an idea of what it will cost is to make sure that you know the VIN number of your vehicle, which can usually be found on the driver's dashboard or stamped on a metal plate within the engine bay. This number is required by any business who will provide a replacement key for a car or truck.
It is also important to determine whether the loss of your keys is covered by your car or truck insurance policy. The majority of roadside assistance providers cover this type scenario, but the coverage varies. Hertz for instance, won't keep duplicate keys in their premises for vehicles rented from their fleet, and will charge an amount to replace keys. Enterprise, for example offers a flat fee to customers who lose keys, no matter the location they are located.
The best method to replace the car key that has been lost is to visit your dealer. This will not only ensure that you receive a top quality key but may also be the quickest way to have it replaced. Make sure to present proof of ownership of your vehicle, like the title or registration documents, if you go to the dealership.
If you have lost your keys outside of the dealership, most hardware stores can make you a set of spare keys. This will not only permit you to drive the vehicle to home, but also provide you with an extra set of keys for any emergency that could arise. If you own a key fob that needs to be programmed to your vehicle or vehicle it will usually require an appointment with a dealer as these machines are not easily accessible at hardware stores.
4. Contact a Locksmith
A good locksmith will be able to unlock your car without damaging the lock. Moreover, they can make a new key for you on the moment you call. This can save you lots of time and money as opposed to taking your car to a dealership. The only drawback is that you might need to pay a little more than what the dealer would charge.
Before calling a locksmith, you should do some research about the locksmith you are considering. You can read reviews on the internet or look at local listings of businesses. You should look for an organization with a long-standing experience, and also one that provides excellent customer service. Additionally, they must be licensed and insured. Additionally, they must have the right tools and equipment to work with the car lock.
Depending on locksmith truck key of your vehicle, you may require proof that you're the owner of the vehicle. This is done by providing the registration number or the title of your vehicle. Your locksmith will need this information to make the correct key for your vehicle.
It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys at home in the event that you lose your car keys in the middle a nowhere. In this way, you won't have to spend money on tow trucks or pay for locksmith. If you have an extra, store it in a safe place like a locked container inside your garage, or with a trusted friend you are able to trust.
It is also advisable to make a habit of always putting your keys in the same place when you get home. This will make them easier to find in the future. This could include leaving them in an entryway bowl on the table or on a hanger at the front of your house. Making this habit will take about a month, but it will be worthwhile in the long run.
In the past, people frequently struggled to locate their car keys. However, this has changed with the introduction of transponder chips in all vehicles. These chips differ from those on credit cards and need to be programmed in order to function with the car's system. It is a good idea for you to call a locksmith if you have a transponder key. They can program a key to your car.