How to Deal With a Lost Truck Key
Losing your truck key can be a nightmare. It can disrupt the flow of work and cause projects to stall for hours.
It is recommended to keep an extra key handy and to follow good habits.
Most car dealerships will need proof of ownership in order to purchase a replacement. They will then pair the new chip with your vehicle.
Get a Duplicate Key
A duplicate key is the best protection against losing your car keys. Make sure you keep it somewhere other than your regular keychain, like the drawer in your kitchen or the glove compartment of your car. Also, make sure to check your car's warranty to see whether key replacement is covered. This is often cheaper than going to the dealership. However, it takes a lot longer and you'll need to be prepared to drive your car to the dealer.
Call a tow truck
Calling a tow-truck is the first step in getting back on track. It is essential to find one that is experienced and offers professional services. Make sure you take the time to investigate their services and save their contact numbers under emergency services on your phone. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to pay for their services as well as the expense of a new lock and key set.
Once you've got your list, you can begin narrowing down your choices. This is important since not all tow truck companies are created identical. Prices as well as experience, coverage and even the technology used to replace key parts will vary. Focus on those that offer services in your area or close to the route you use to get to work. This way you can be certain that they will be there for you in the event that you should lose your keys again.
The type of key you own will also determine the cost of replacing it. Certain keys can be bought from a local locksmith whereas others may need to be ordered from the dealership (if they do not have it in stock) and then paired with the car. This could cost up to $300, including towing charges.
Always make sure you receive a receipt for any tow truck service you receive and keep copies of any correspondence with them by email or postal mail. These documents will be essential if you ever need to file a consumer complaint or take a case to court. In addition, keeping a log of all expenses can be beneficial if you decide to seek compensation or mediation in the event of any problems with the tow truck company. This will help ensure that you do not get being charged for unnecessary or extra services and avoid any confusion when you pay the bill.
Contact a locksmith
If you've not found your car keys in your home, you'll need to contact an expert locksmith. They can assist you with a missing truck key, regardless of whether it's a regular or smart key. They can also repair ignition switches and re-key locks if they have been damaged. They use the latest technology to create an entirely new fob or key, and can finish the job immediately. You will need to provide your vehicle's year, make, and model, as along with evidence of ownership. This could be your registration or title.
If your vehicle has an ignition key fob you'll need the serial number too. This will allow the locksmith to create a key that is compatible with your existing one. If you own an electronic key, the locksmith will need to connect it to your vehicle using an in-car diagnostics system to pair them.
The process could take several minutes, and it will depend on the type of key you own. If you have a traditional key, it should be easier to replace than a more sophisticated one.
If you lose your car keys, adding roadside assistance to an insurance policy for your vehicle could save you money. It could take longer to reach a locksmith and you will still be liable for any service not covered by your insurance plan.
To avoid losing your car keys, keep a spare key in the home or in a safe that is locked or with a trusted friend. You should also empty your pockets, especially when wearing a jacket before leaving the home. It's a good idea to practice putting your keys in the same place every time to ensure that they're easily accessible when you're running late. If TheKeyLab have children learn the importance of keeping their keys to their car in a designated place to ensure that they don't end-up in the trunk of a car belonging to someone else.