Will lease company open up key fob upon collection?

kmb500

My car goes back in 2 months. I need to replace the second key, which I dropped somewhere some time and never found.

It's a keyless entry fob, with a key blade inside. I can get a replacement fob for about £130. However, they won't be able to cut me a new blade, because I've also lost the blade inside my remaining key.
I don't know if key cutter company is able to use the door lock mechanism to create a new key... if they can do this, I'm guessing it costs significantly more money... ?

However the way I look at it, if I present the bloke who collects my car with two keys, it won't occur to him to open up the fobs to check the keyblades are inside.
Anyone who has returned a keyless car, remember if the fobs were checked?

Or any general advice for replacing the keys.... thanks

DoaM

On my previous Golf the key was released by pressing a button and it "sprung" out. On my current Insignia you press a release button and then pull the key (blade) out.

When the Golf was collected I don't recall the guy checking the blades - simply that both key fobs were present. That's not to say he didn't, just that I didn't see him do this. As it happens both my key fobs were correct so even if he did do it then he wouldn't have mentioned anything to me.

debtdebt

BVRLA collection guidelines for collection drivers state that they must check the operation and physical condition of keys when presented upon return. This probably means checking of the actual blade.

neilmcl

debtdebt wrote: »

BVRLA collection guidelines for collection drivers state that they must check the operation and physical condition of keys when presented upon return. This probably means checking of the actual blade.

He'd be very unlucky if they did this but should be prepared for a bill if they do.

Penelopa.Pitstop

Even if the guy who collects the car won't check it, someone else may while preparing car for the auction.

foxy-stoat

kmb500 wrote: »

My car goes back in 2 months. I need to replace the second key, which I dropped somewhere some time and never found.

It's a keyless entry fob, with a key blade inside. I can get a replacement fob for about £130. However, they won't be able to cut me a new blade, because I've also lost the blade inside my remaining key.

Expensive mistakes - go to the dealer and get them to quote for putting you back to where you started, just so you know how much the lease company overcharge you when they bill you.

shaun_from_Africa

Have you tried the manufacturer to see if they can supply a key using the VIN or registration number?

kmb500

debtdebt wrote: »

BVRLA collection guidelines for collection drivers state that they must check the operation and physical condition of keys when presented upon return. This probably means checking of the actual blade.

Thanks.

To reach the blade, you have to remove the back of the key fob. TBH I don't ever remember taking it off so not sure why it's even missing, I just hope they won't look.

neilmcl wrote: »

He'd be very unlucky if they did this but should be prepared for a bill if they do.

Thanks.
I'm sure there would be a bill, but I've just got quotes back for keys and to get the blades done is £150 extra! Will try some other places for cheaper quotes but its looking like a risk I may be willing to take.

Penelopa.Pitstop wrote: »

Even if the guy who collects the car won't check it, someone else may while preparing car for the auction.

That shouldn't make a difference, they can't charge me for stuff they don't notice upon collection. Otherwise they could just make up charges. Once the car is gone, it's gone, no?

Penelopa.Pitstop

Usually the car is checked at destination and they may charge you based on new findings. It would be a bit difficult to say that collection driver lost both emergency keys.

foxy-stoat

kmb500 wrote: »

That shouldn't make a difference, they can't charge me for stuff they don't notice upon collection. Otherwise they could just make up charges. Once the car is gone, it's gone, no?

They will if they think they can.. Its not unheard of for cars to be taken from the customers house, and an invoice for paintwork is sent out some weeks later after they have had it examined in a workshop.

kmb500

Really? Surely I must sign something upon handover, that says it's no longer my problem / my vehicle and we both agree that the car is in this condition etc ?

I will be cancelling my Direct Debit prior to vehicle collection so they are welcome to take me to court if they feel like charging me for things that weren't agreed on.