When you hire a company to ship your car, you may wonder to yourself, do I need a spare key? Whether this is a question you have never thought about before or not, having a spare key on hand makes it a lot easier to ship your car without stress. There are other key factors for keys and vehicle access if you plan on shipping your car cross country or internationally.
In this guide, we’ll talk about what a spare key is, why you may need to use one, how it impacts the shipping process, what to do if you don’t have one, and how Car Shipping Auto
They also handle vehicle access during transport so you can concentrate on other aspects of your move.
Why Do Shipping Companies Need a Key?
In the process of shipping a car, the transport company will need access to the car in order for it to be properly shipped from point A to point B. While it may seem like all you have to do is hand over your car, there are some reasons to give the transport company the key (and a spare key):
Loading and Unloading the Vehicle
Cars are driven onto the transport truck on ramps, or powered lifts. Drivers generally need access to the ignition to load and unload your car so they can start the car and move it like into and out of position. This may be a problem in case the car is not driveable or if the transport company does not have access to the key.
Moving the Vehicle in the Transport Carrier
Although many cars can be loaded on an open trailer without the engine running (in which case they are winched onto the trailer), enclosed carriers or car carriers often require the car to be driven onto the truck at pickup since they may need to be moved many times or shifted and turned around within the confines of the truck in order to deliver the cars.
Security and Inspections
Shipping companies may check the condition of vehicles before and during the shipping process and may require keys to be present to inspect, steer or move a vehicle if necessary. For special handling needs, the transport driver or specially designated transport team can get to your vehicle quickly, whether it’s being loaded or unloaded.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Spare Key?
Always have a spare key for when you lock your keys in your car, but here’s what to do if you don’t:
Possible Delays
The transport company may not immediately have the equipment or labor to load and unload your vehicle, especially if you do not provide them a key. If someone does not provide a key, the transport company’s workers will have to use additional equipment or personnel to load or unload your vehicle. This can add shipping time if your car isn’t running or requires special handling.
Potential Additional Fees
Some companies may charge additional fees if they cannot pick up the car, due to the lack of a key, and if additional labor and equipment are required to load your automobile onto the truck. A missing key may thus result in extra charges for you or the transport company.
Delivery Challenges
There are cases where the shipping company cannot hand over your vehicle if you do not have a key ready for them when you drop it off. They may not be able to give it to you if you are not around to give them a key when they drop it off. Check with the shipping company about their policies on this.
3. When is a Spare Key Required?
Not all auto transport companies require a spare key. Whether or not an auto transport company needs an extra key depends on how you decide to ship your car and the condition your vehicle is in when it is picked up for transport. Here are a few circumstances when auto transport companies may need a spare key:
For Non-Running or Inoperable Vehicles
If the vehicle is not running, you may have to provide a spare key so that the shipping company can winch the vehicle on and off the transport truck. For non-running vehicles, the shipping company may prefer to have the car started and moved at least, or to have access to the interior of the vehicle to inspect or secure it.
For Luxury or Classic Cars
Often a spare key will be required for those transporting a classic vehicle or a luxury vehicle. Certain vehicles may require extra care with special security. By giving a transport company a spare key, they can assess the car’s safety, move it if necessary, and make any adjustments if needed to ease the transport.
For Enclosed Transport
For enclosed transport, which protects fully, someone may need to secure further or grant access to the transport company in order to inspect your automobile’s condition or move your automobile into or out of a certain position during loading or unloading. It is advisable to provide an extra copy of your key in advance in these instances to prevent delays.
4. How to Provide a Spare Key for Auto Transport
How can one give an extra key to the car shipping firm? These are the steps to follow:
Provide the Key with the Car
Handing your spare key over to the transport company when they pick up your car is one option. Most transport companies will ask that the spare key be left with them at the time of pickup to be used as needed.
Mail the Key
If you cannot drop the spare key at the pick-up location, some transport providers allow you to mail the spare key to them. Check with the transport company whether this option avails and whether they deliver the key to the driver when they pick it up.
Key Storage with the Transporter
Some transport companies that have a secure key storage system, for example, retain the spare key throughout the duration of transport, so that the driver can access the key if required and it cannot be lost or misplaced.
How Car Shipping Auto
Handles Keys and Vehicle Access
At Car Shipping Auto
, we understand that the logistics of key management and vehicle access are critical to providing a smooth shipping experience. Here’s how we handle this process:
- Clear communication: We always inform customers up front that they will need a spare key prior to the pickup and how to provide it.
- Handle securely: We take reasonable steps to ensure that the keys secure during travel in order to avoid confusion and delay.
- We provide options: We will try to find a process to meet your schedule and the specifics of your vehicle if you do not have a spare key.
Conclusion: Why a Spare Key is Crucial for Auto Transport
Leaving a spare key for your car to be shipped is important for its well-being for ease of access to your car and for helping prevent headaches throughout the process. Whether your car is a luxury vehicle or simply not in running condition, a spare key can help you get your car shipped both safely and as quickly as possible.
At Car Shipping Auto
Your convenience and the safety of your vehicle are important to us. Reach out to us to discover more about our services and how we can aid you with shipping your car in a safe and efficient manner.
