Losing Your Truck Key? Here's What to Do

The loss of your truck's key could cost your company time and money. It could also cause delays in important processes and create unnecessary stress.

The cost of buying a brand new car key is the most obvious. Locksmiths are able to duplicate older keys however, for modern vehicles, a dealer must purchase the key in order to join it with the computer chip of the car.

1. Retract your Steps

Sometimes we lose our keys without noticing. We might forget our keys on the seat of the car when we get in to run a quick errand. Perhaps we forget they're there when we return home from a long day. Remember that most items lost will be found in the end, so don't panic.

Instead, retrace your steps. Start with the last time you've had keys, and work your way backwards. Then begin your search by working backwards from the last time you remember having the keys. If the key has snapped off within the ignition, Fago recommends trying to put a small piece of wire, such as paper clips or a length of wire hanger between the broken piece and the cylinder that controls the ignition.

3. Contact a Tow truck

If you can't locate your keys, then it's time to contact a tow truck. Spend some time researching the local companies that offer both towing and auto-locksmith services. Find out what their costs are and what their policies are for lost keys. This will stop you from being overcharged or mistreated in an emergency.

The cost of a new key will vary based on the vehicle you drive and the model you're replacing. You can determine the amount of the cost by identifying your vehicle's VIN, which is typically stamped on the metal plate or on the dashboard on the driver's side. The Keylab will be necessary for any company that is able to offer a replacement key for your vehicle or truck.

If you have a vehicle or truck policy it is important to find out if the loss keys is covered. While most roadside assistance providers will cover this situation, their coverage will vary. Some companies, such as Hertz, will not keep duplicate keys on site for vehicles rented from their fleet, and will charge the payment of a fee to replace keys. Others, like Enterprise will charge renters the cost of lost keys regardless of how they're found.

The most effective way to replace a lost car key is to visit your dealer. This will ensure you receive an excellent key, and could be the fastest way to replace it. If you visit a dealer make sure you bring your registration or title documents as proof of ownership.

If you have lost your keys outside of the dealership, most hardware stores can provide you a set of spare keys. This will not only permit you to drive the vehicle home, but it will also give you a backup for any future emergencies that might occur. If you own keys that need to be programmed into your vehicle or vehicle, this will generally require a trip to a dealership since these devices aren't readily available in hardware stores.

4. Contact a Locksmith

A good locksmith can open your vehicle without damaging the lock. Moreover, they can make keys for you right on the spot. This will save you lots of time and money compared to having your car taken to the dealer. The only drawback is that you might have to pay a bit more than the dealer would charge.

Before calling a locksmith you must conduct some research on the locksmith you are considering. You can read reviews online, or check out the local business listings. Choose a company with a long history of success and top-quality customer service. They should also be insured and licensed. Moreover, they should have the proper tools and equipment to handle the lock on your car.

Depending on the year of your vehicle, you might need to prove that you're the owner of the vehicle. This usually involves providing your registration number, or the title of your vehicle. This information is required by your locksmith in order to purchase the correct key for your vehicle.


If you lose your car keys in the middle of nowhere It's recommended to keep an extra set of keys at home. This way, you don't need to shell out money for a tow truck or paying for a locksmith. If you have a spare, store it in a safe place, such as a locked box in your garage, or with a trusted friend.

It is also advisable to make a habit of always putting your keys in the same location when you get home. This will make them easier to find in the future. It could be as simple as leaving them in a bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near your front door. It can take up to a month to create this habit however the outcomes will be worth it.

In the past, many struggled to locate their car keys. Transponder chips have changed this. These chips are different from the ones found on credit cards and have to be programmed in order to function with the car's system. If you have a transponder chip is a good idea to contact a locksmith so they can program a new key for your vehicle.