It can be easy to ship your car. However, there are still some essentials you need to think about to make sure that the transaction is done smoothly. One of the most frequent questions is whether the car service should be given a spare key. Even though it is not always mandatory, a spare key can make the unloading and loading of a vehicle faster and smoother. We will cover the benefits of spare keys, their role in the vehicle delivery process, and at what times they have to be handed over for your car in this article.
1. Why is it Necessary to Have a Spare Key When Getting a Car Transported?
A spare key is an absolute must item when a car is to be sent away due to different reasons. It is part of the organization in the shipping procedure, it guarantees that the car can be relocated in case this is needed, and it also gives one more extra dimension of comfort. So we will look at some of the major key gains:
1.1 Access to the Vehicle
The main reason that a spare key is helpful during a car shipment is the fact that the transport company is authorized to have the key thus make access to the vehicle. Be it the car that needs to be driven onto the transport truck, or the driver who needs to unload or load it at any stage, by having the key at hand, it is assured that there will be no hold-ups.
Even though vehicles can be loaded on a transport truck and rolled without the need to drive them, there are situations where the driver might require to start the car or move it to another location. Hence the spare key makes the car reachable in situations where the car is being loaded into a narrow space or it is the drop-off place that has to be driven.
1.2 Emergency Situations
In case a car is on transport and it gets stuck or has an issue, a start of the engine will probably be a vital step for the car to be “released” for the transport to go on. Therefore, rescheduling the driver through a spare key would be a smart decision as the driver will be able to solve the problem quickly and continue their work without wasting time.
1.3 Avoiding Key Loss or Damage
Imagine a situation where the only key to the car is lost or damaged during transit, what will happen then? In this case, you will be highly inconvenienced, and so will the transport company. Consequently, by providing a spare key, you eliminate the risk of such an annoying problem and keep the transport process on track without any stoppages.
2. When is a Spare Key Required for Auto Transport?
It is not always necessary to provide a spare key when a key is lost or misplaced, but there are some occasions when it is highly recommended or required. A few instances where a spare key must be provided are as follows:
2.1 For Non-Running Vehicles
In the case of a non-operational or non-running vehicle that you want to ship, the transport company will likely ask for a spare key in order to load and unload the car. Usually, the non-running vehicles are taken off and on the transport truck by the winch, and the driver may need to start the car to release the parking brake or to have access to other systems. So, giving a spare key is the guarantee that everything will be done as it should be.
If you were to collaborate with Car Shipping Auto, we’d deliver the message that everything is in order for non-running vehicle shipments. Under these circumstances, the assistance key is the only way to the vehicle’s safe handling.
2.2 If Vehicle Has to Be Driven While Being Transported
Most of the auto transport cases, which are usually just set-ups with a running vehicle, the driver may have to drive the car by himself or simply offload the car in a certain space. In those moments, the need for a spare key is inevitable. Without it, things may take longer, or the vehicle may be inaccessible, hence making it more complicated the shipping process.
2.3 In Case of a Transport with Multiple Stops
Let us picture that your car is going to be transported through a route with multiple stops. The driver is then obligated to find a way to access the car easily and without any complications at each stop. He will certainly need a spare key to do that efficiently. It is worth noting that such a scenario is more significant in the case of open transport, where cars are moved frequently.
3. What Happens If You Don’t Have a Spare Key?
In a situation where a spare key is not available, the shipment may still continue to move, but it can be made in a less smooth way. These are the things that might occur as a result of the absence of the spare key of your vehicle:
3.1 Delays in the Transport Process Are Possible
In the absence of a spare key, the driver is not allowed to start the vehicle which may result in the situation that if the car has to be repositioned on the truck or driven to a specific location then a long wait will occur. Although most vehicle transport companies have contingencies to manage this situation, a wait for your scheduled delivery time may still be possible.
3.2 Limited Driver Accessibility
Imagine a scenario where the car is required to be moved while in transit and the driver doesnt have a key, then without your special permission, they might not be able to access the car. Such an event could lead to a slower process, raising the likelihood of waiting times or other issues. In case the vehicle is not allowed to be moved due while waiting, it would be loaded or unloaded in a way that might hold back other vehicles on the route.
3.3 The Risk of Harm to the Vehicle or Theft
If there is no spare key and the car is locked, then the vehicle may be a totally inaccessible situation, especially if the driver is required to leave it at a stopping point. The outcome of such a scenario is a chain reaction of delays and might also give you unnecessary worries alongside the transport company.
4. How to Provide a Spare Key for Transport
If you opt to give out a spare key for transport, these are a few steps you can take to make sure it is done in an orderly manner:
4.1 Ship the Spare Key in an Envelope
It is also possible to just leave the driver the key in an envelope when the car is picked up. The method is uncomplicated and efficient.
4.2 Send the Key to the Shipping Company
There might be an easier way of sending the spare key directly to the shipping company ahead of time without a pickup situation. Car Shipping Auto provides different ways to ship the key safely so that the driver gets it when required.
4.3 Arrange for Key Pickup
If you are not able to provide the spare key at the time of pickup, some shipping companies may allow you to set up a location for the key to be delivered to the driver or to have the key collected by the driver before the transport.
5. Does Car Shipping Auto Need a Spare Key?
Car Shipping Auto, as a company, advises that a spare key should be made available for the car for the reasons mentioned above. On the other hand, we acknowledge that it may sometimes be impossible. We collaborate with our clients to accomplish the delivery of their car in the best manner possible, regardless of the availability of a spare key. In the case of a car you are shipping that is not running or that you think may have to be moved, we suggest that you give a spare key to prevent the occurrence of delays.
Conclusion: The Importance of a Spare Key in Car Shipping
Although a spare key is not always required, an extra key can significantly facilitate and expedite the vehicle shipping process. A spare key not only enables the service provider to have easy access to your vehicle but also prevents any delays or complications that may arise as a result of your car being mishandled.
It’s best to give a spare key for a non-running vehicle if your car is going to be relocated at a different place due to transport. Car Shipping Auto is dedicated to making your transport experience as smooth as possible. We look forward to seeing you at Car Shipping Auto
