Quick Summary
- Stay calm, move to a safe place and double check for the keys before assuming they are gone.
- Contact the rental company or roadside assistance instead of trying to force the vehicle open yourself.
- Hola Car Rentals can help coordinate help, explain possible costs and get you moving again.
First steps when you realise the keys are missing
Losing keys or seeing them sitting on the front seat with the doors locked is a horrible feeling, especially in an unfamiliar city. The most important thing is to pause, breathe and keep yourself safe. If you are by a busy road or in a dark car park, move yourself and your group to a secure, well lit spot before you do anything else.
Next, retrace your steps calmly. Check pockets, bags, cup holders and the top of tyres. Look on nearby counters if you have just paid for fuel or food. Many lost keys turn up in a backpack or jacket rather than on the pavement. If you still cannot find them, note exactly where the vehicle is parked and whether it is blocking traffic or an entrance.
Contact the rental provider before taking action
Once you are sure the keys are missing or locked inside, do not try to force your way into the vehicle. Modern locking systems and alarms make it easy to cause expensive damage. Instead, call the emergency or roadside number on your rental agreement. If your journey began with a car hire from a major airport, that number is usually printed on both the contract and the key tag.
If anyone is locked inside the vehicle, especially a child or pet in warm weather, call local emergency services immediately and then the rental provider. Safety comes first and professionals are best placed to open the doors quickly without unnecessary risk.
When you speak to the rental company, be ready to share your contract number, your location, whether the keys are lost or visible inside and whether the car is still drivable if you were to receive a spare set. Hola Car Rentals works with partners who offer clear roadside procedures so you know whether a locksmith, tow truck or replacement vehicle is on the way.
What kind of help can you expect?
In many cases a locksmith or roadside technician can unlock the doors without damage, allowing you to retrieve keys that are sitting on a seat or in the boot. If the keys are genuinely lost, the provider may decide to tow the car to a secure location and either send a replacement vehicle or arrange new keys.
Key replacement can be expensive for modern vehicles with integrated fobs and remote start systems. Whether or not you pay depends on the protection you chose when booking. All Inclusive+ cover from Hola Car Rentals on selected itineraries is designed to limit your liability for incidents such as lost keys, though exact terms will always be listed in your specific agreement.
At some hubs, such as large airport branches in Florida or California, a replacement vehicle may be available the same day. Starting a journey at Miami Airport support desk or picking up at Los Angeles late night pick up often means help can be dispatched quickly during opening hours.
Minimising disruption to your journey
While you wait for assistance, stay somewhere safe and shaded, especially in hot weather. If it is late at night, move into a fuel station or hotel lobby rather than standing alone next to the car. Keep your phone charged so the roadside team can reach you.
Once help arrives, take photos of the situation, including where the car was parked and any damage that might have occurred before you realised the keys were missing. Keep receipts if you had to pay a local locksmith or taxi while following instructions from the rental provider.
If the delay means changing hotel check in times or missing a prebooked activity, contact those providers as soon as you know. Hola Car Rentals support can provide written confirmation of delays where helpful, which sometimes assists with travel insurance claims.
How to avoid key problems in the first place
A little preparation can significantly reduce the risk of losing keys. Choose one secure pocket or bag compartment where the keys always live when you are not driving, and avoid placing them on tables or shelves in cafes and rest areas. When you exit the vehicle, make a habit of checking for the keys before closing the door.
If your booking includes two key fobs, keep them in separate places so that losing one does not leave you stranded. When you are sharing driving duties, agree at the start who is responsible for carrying the keys at different times.
For more advice on handling unexpected situations, you can read this stolen vehicle guide, which explains step by step what to do if you return to a parking space and discover the car itself is missing.
Hola Car Rentals also offers free cancellation up to forty eight hours before pick up on many bookings and maximum liability cover on selected routes. Planning with those protections in mind means even stressful moments, such as misplacing keys, do not have to derail your entire holiday budget.
When you are ready to book, choose your pick up point, from New York to San Francisco help desk, and let Hola Car Rentals handle the details in case the unexpected happens.
FAQs
Will I always be charged if I lose the keys?
Not always. It depends on the cover you chose and the supplier policy. Some protection packages reduce or remove your responsibility for key replacement, while others may charge a fee. Always check the terms in your booking confirmation.
What should I do if the keys are locked in the boot?
Treat it the same as any lockout. Do not try to pry the boot open yourself. Contact roadside assistance or the emergency number on your rental agreement so that a technician can open the car without causing damage.
How long will it take to get help?
Response times vary by location, time of day and how busy the roadside team is. In major cities and at big airports, help often arrives faster than in remote rural areas. When you call, the agent can give a rough timeframe based on your position.
Can Hola Car Rentals assist if my keys are lost abroad?
Yes, Hola Car Rentals support teams can liaise with local suppliers and help you understand your options in another country. They can also clarify what is covered by your protection package and what costs, if any, you may need to pay privately.
