Rental cars keys - a question/a warning

[DanenRox]

For a very anxious period of time, I thought I lost our rental car keys during our last stay at WDW. Because we were on a plane the next afternoon, the cost of lost keys would have been approx $500.00
$150-250 for a new key "to be made"
$250 tow and recovery because it would take a couple of days.
OK, so then we find the keys only the discover a second key on the ring. A duplicate key that cannot be removed from the ring. Upon returning the car to the reputable and popular agency I asked how, in the future, I can seperate the keys (for obvious reasons). I'm told it can't be done and the attendant isn't quite sure what the 2nd key is for.
So I ask all of you..why a duplicate key that can't be removed from the original key ring.
And warn all of you....don't lose your rental car keys.

 

[sympatico]

For a very anxious period of time, I thought I lost our rental car keys during our last stay at WDW. Because we were on a plane the next afternoon, the cost of lost keys would have been approx $500.00
$150-250 for a new key "to be made"
$250 tow and recovery because it would take a couple of days.
OK, so then we find the keys only the discover a second key on the ring. A duplicate key that cannot be removed from the ring. Upon returning the car to the reputable and popular agency I asked how, in the future, I can seperate the keys (for obvious reasons). I'm told it can't be done and the attendant isn't quite sure what the 2nd key is for.
So I ask all of you..why a duplicate key that can't be removed from the original key ring.
And warn all of you....don't lose your rental car keys.

I've also wondered why the second key is there since you can't separate it from the others.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

They keep the keys together because thats how they come.

Common sence would be for them to store that 2nd key but as cars change locations I guess thast why they don't do it. They could hide them in the cars but then former employees would know that and that would be a problem as well.

The thing is it cost about that much for many keys made now as they most have the frobs built in now.

 

[CarolA]

For a very anxious period of time, I thought I lost our rental car keys during our last stay at WDW. Because we were on a plane the next afternoon, the cost of lost keys would have been approx $500.00
$150-250 for a new key "to be made"
$250 tow and recovery because it would take a couple of days.
OK, so then we find the keys only the discover a second key on the ring. A duplicate key that cannot be removed from the ring. Upon returning the car to the reputable and popular agency I asked how, in the future, I can seperate the keys (for obvious reasons). I'm told it can't be done and the attendant isn't quite sure what the 2nd key is for.
So I ask all of you..why a duplicate key that can't be removed from the original key ring.
And warn all of you....don't lose your rental car keys.

WHO did you rent with?

Having LOST a rental car key My costs were under $100. The rental car company had the key code and a spare key. Plus this two day garbage??? I drive a Saab. It has the reputation of the WORST KEY to lose in the world. (Think $800 a key!!!!) But even then you get it in a day. There's a key code in the car LOL!)

(ANd there are ways to remove the second key. I did last week. Hertz had attached it to their key chain with the metal wire... LOL! I have read posts on www.flyertalk.com where posters have "destroyed" the industructible key chain. Men seem to really hate these and will destoy them to only have one key in thier pocket)

 

[DanenRox]

We rented with Alamo. I called their customer service from the Polynesian concierge when I realized I didn't have the keys. CS quoted $150-$250 to make a new key-telling me they don't have duplicates. Because our flight was leaving the next day and she couldn't expedite the "key making", we'd have to leave the car in the Poly Parking Lot and they would do a loss and recovery..."about $250.00".
Alamo's an interesting animal. We always rent a compact car and when we arrive in the lot, the compacts are always empty...so we upgrade...for free of course.
In the future, I will inquire with whatever agency I use about the lost key policy. Their kind of setting you up to fail...or to spend.

 

[aquaticmom]

I have always wondered what the purpose of this was so I just sent National and email asking them their reasoning behind duplicate keys on a ring that does not come apart. I will post if and when I get a reply.

 

[Inkmahm]

We had this problem in San Francisco. Valet parking LOST our keys to the rental car. They went to the dealership and had a key made at the hotel's expense. I turned the car back in to Dollar with only one key and never heard a thing about it.

I realized then that it was stupid to have two keys that can't be separated when you get a rental car. They all seem to do it that way though. I would rather have two keys to keep track of AND it would be eaiser to get a duplicate made if there was still one key available if one got lost.

 

[cbrfan]

Maybe they do that so it's harder to makes duplicates on your own. But you still have a second key in case one gets bent or broken.

 

[CarolA]

Maybe they do that so it's harder to makes duplicates on your own. But you still have a second key in case one gets bent or broken.

No they do it because they are incompetent.... They can't find the spare if they don't keep it with the car LOL!

 

[cbrfan]

I guess they forgot to tell you when you added the additional driver that you're both supposed to drive the car at the same time.

 

[CPT Tripss]

TSA told the rental companies the nation would be more secure.

Has anyone "clipped" the wire? What did the company say?

 

[I'mNoPrince]

TSA told the rental companies the nation would be more secure.

Has anyone "clipped" the wire? What did the company say?

I never clipped the wire but frob and main key was held on by a splitring so I just took that off and used it the entire trip then put it back on

 

[hddanis]

Same thing happened to me with National about 2 weeks ago. I knew I hadn't locked them in the car and just couldn't find them anywhere. They told me it would be $99 for them to call the locksmith and then another $100-200 for the locksmith to make the keys! Luckily, I found the keys (in my purse) but I couldn't believe how much they wanted to charge me.

 

[jekjones1558]

No they do it because they are incompetent.... They can't find the spare if they don't keep it with the car LOL!

I actually think that this is the reason. When they go to sell the car, they need both keys. They do not want the hassle of organizing thousands of spare keys, especially since a car may not be returned to the same place from which it was rented.
Once we had a set that could be separated, which sure was nice for someone like me who can be scatter-brained with keys!

 

[eeyoreiscool]

The last time I rented with National I only had one key in the ignition. I happened to find the other key and fob in the glove box when I was looking for something else. I thought this was a decent idea that would keep the keys with the car but may not cause you to have a huge lost key expense.

 

[aquaticmom]

Alright, I emailed National last night and asked them to please give us the answer to the burning question of why two keys on the same ring, and here is a direct cut and paste of the lamest excuse I have ever heard.


Thank you for your email. We are sorry to hear this experience has been less than expected. We have found that keeping both the keys together is easier for our customers. We do apologize if this in not the case in your situation.

We appreciate your feedback and time bringing this to our attention. We hope you will consider National Car Rental for your future car rental needs.

Regards,
Felicia
Internet Response
National Car Rental

 

[cbrfan]

Alright, I emailed National last night and asked them to please give us the answer to the burning question of why two keys on the same ring, and here is a direct cut and paste of the lamest excuse I have ever heard.


Thank you for your email. We are sorry to hear this experience has been less than expected. We have found that keeping both the keys together is easier for our customers. We do apologize if this in not the case in your situation.

We appreciate your feedback and time bringing this to our attention. We hope you will consider National Car Rental for your future car rental needs.

Regards,
Felicia
Internet Response
National Car Rental

 

[Humphrey Bear]

I used to work for Budget and we paired up the keys as well. When we would turn back the cars to the manufacturers we were required to have two keys or we were charged a penalty fee. so by keeping them together, they were easier to keep track of. We also were required to have all of the owners manuals and repair/service records as wellor face fines. Also back when I was there, we would cut new keys for free because we kept track of the key codes of each car, but it might be different no that many keys have an electronic chip in them.

 

[Corso]

I had just the one key from Alamo...but I also have AAA..so I figured if I only locked them in and didnt lose them id be safe

 

[manning]

I rent from Hertz and they too put the keys together.

It is simple to separate.

Get a small wire cutter and cut the ring. I do this so if one key is lost both aren't. I keep one and the wife the other.

Also if I get a car with keyless entry, I call road service and get the code.

When it is time to return the car put the keys together onto a simple circular key ring. You can get them anywhere. Try Home Depot.