Losing Your Truck Key? Here's What to Do
The loss of your truck's key could cost your business time and money. It can also cause stress and halt important workflow.
The most obvious cost is getting a new key. Locksmiths can duplicate keys from the past, but for modern cars dealers must purchase the key to electronically connect it to the computer chip of the car.
- Retract your Steps
Sometimes we forget our keys and don't even realize we did. Perhaps we get into the car to run an errand, but forget that they're on the seat. Or, maybe we're coming home after a long and tiring day and put them on the table where we never find them again. Whatever the case it's important to keep in mind that most items lost eventually appear so don't worry!
Instead, retrace your steps. Start with the last time you remember having keys and then work your way backwards. This will give you a place to begin your search before taking a frenzied approach such as hitting the door frame with a hard object or purchasing a key extracting tool. If the key has snapped off within the ignition, Fago recommends trying to put a small piece of wire, like a paper clip or length of wire hanger in between the broken part and the ignition cylinder.
- Contact for a Tow Truck
If you're unable to locate your keys, it's time to call a tow truck. Before you do that, however you should find out about the companies in your area which offer both towing and auto locksmith services. Find out how much they charge and what policies they have for keys lost. This will ensure that you don't risk being charged too much or being mistreated in a crisis.
The cost of a new key will vary based on the kind of vehicle you have and the type of key you're trying to replace. You can estimate the cost of the cost by identifying the VIN number of your vehicle. This is usually stamped on a metal plate or on the dashboard, which is located on the driver's side. This number is essential for any business that is capable of providing the replacement key for your vehicle or truck.
You should also determine if the loss of your keys is covered under your insurance policy. Most roadside assistance providers will cover this type of scenario, however the coverage varies. Some companies, such as Hertz do not keep duplicate keys on their premises for vehicles rented out of their fleet, and will charge the payment of a fee to replace them. Enterprise for instance offers a flat fee for customers who lose keys, regardless of where they are found.
The best way to replace a car key that is lost is to visit your dealer. This will not only guarantee that you receive a top quality key but may be the fastest method to replace it. If you visit a dealership be sure to bring your registration or title documents to prove ownership.
Most hardware stores can make you a set of spare keys in the event that you lose them outside of the dealership. This will not only allow you to drive the vehicle to home, but also give you an alternative for any emergency that could arise. If you have keys that need to be programmed to your vehicle or car, this will generally require an appointment with a dealer as these machines are not readily available in hardware stores.
- Contact an expert locksmith
A good locksmith will be able to open your vehicle without damaging the lock. Furthermore, they can make keys for you right on the spot. This can save you lots of time and money over taking your car to the dealership. The only drawback is that you might have to pay slightly more than the dealer's price.
Do some research on the locksmith before calling them. MERCEDES truck key can read reviews on the internet or browse the local listings of businesses. You should look for a company with years of experience, and also one that offers outstanding customer service. They must be insured and licensed. They should also have the right tools and equipment for working on the locks in your car.
Depending on the year of your vehicle, you might require proof that you're the owner. This can be done by providing the registration number or title of your vehicle. Your locksmith will require this information to order the right key for your vehicle.
It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys at home in the event that you lose your car key in the middle of nowhere. In this way, you won't need to shell out money for a tow truck or paying for a locksmith. If you have a spare, keep it in a secure location such as an unlocked box in your garage, or with a trusted friend.
You should also create the habit of putting your keys in the same spot when you get home. This will make it easier to find them in the future. You could leave them in a dish on your table at the entry point, or on a hanger near your front door. It can take up to one month to establish this habit but the results will be worth it.
In the past, people frequently struggled to locate their car keys. Transponder chips have made this easier. These chips are not the same as the ones found on credit cards, and they need to be programmed to work with your car's system. If you own an transponder chip key it is a good idea to call a locksmith so they can create a new key for your vehicle.
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