What to Do When You Lose Your Rental Car Keys
Losing the key to a rental car creates a tricky situation because your own auto insurance won't help and a dealership won't provide a replacement. Handling it incorrectly may break your rental agreement, cost you your deposit, and lead to extra charges. The cost of a new key varies by car type, but the steps to get one are straightforward.
By Riley Wilson3 steps
Losing the key to a rental car is both annoying and troublesome. Your personal auto insurance won't come to your aid, and you can't simply get a new key from a dealership. If you try to replace the key the wrong way, you could break your rental contract, forfeit your deposit, and face extra charges. The cost of a new key can be high for some vehicles, but the replacement process itself is not complicated.
Step 1
Locate the phone number for the rental agency. When you picked up the car, you likely received a packet with all the agency's contact numbers. If you lost the keys while in a safe place such as your hotel or home, search for the company's direct toll-free number. If the keys went missing at a restaurant or convenience store, find the roadside assistance number in that packet.
Step 2
Get in touch with the company. Have your full name, the confirmation number from your rental agreement, and a reliable phone number ready. Tell the customer service agent exactly where you are and provide directions if the spot is hard to locate. If you are stuck, say so, so the agent can dispatch help right away. Keep a valid ID with you because you will need to show it.
Step 3
Pay for the replacement key. MSNBC reports that for an older rental vehicle, a new key costs about $12 on average. For a newer model, however, you should expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 because these cars use electronic keys.
