Losing a rental car key can quickly turn a relaxing day on the Costa Blanca into a stressful situation. Perhaps you cannot find the key after spending the day at the beach. Maybe it has disappeared somewhere in your hotel room, restaurant or shopping bag. You might even have accidentally locked it inside the vehicle.
Whatever has happened, the first thing to remember is: Do not panic and do not arrange your own replacement key or locksmith without speaking to Blanca Cars first.
Blanca Cars currently instructs customers who lose a rental-car key to call the emergency number +34 653 221 333, where a representative will provide assistance. The current Blanca Cars FAQ also states that a €300 fee applies to the loss of a rental-car key.
Step 1: Make Sure the Key Is Actually Lost
Before assuming the key has disappeared completely, take a few minutes to check carefully.
Retrace your movements.
Look in:
- Pockets
- Handbags
- Backpacks
- Beach bags
- Towels
- Hotel rooms
- Around the swimming pool
- Restaurant tables
- Children’s bags
- Shopping bags
- Under and between car seats
If several people are travelling together, check whether another member of your group picked up the key without realising.
Rental-car keys can be larger than ordinary house keys because of the electronic key fob, so check inside larger compartments and luggage thoroughly.
Step 2: Check Whether the Key Is Inside the Car
Sometimes the key has not been lost at all.
It may be inside the vehicle.
Look through the windows before taking any other action.
Check visible areas such as:
- Front seats
- Centre console
- Cup holders
- Floor
- Rear seats
- Luggage area if visible
If you believe the key is locked inside the vehicle, do not attempt to force the door or window open.
Do not use wires, tools or other objects to manipulate the lock.
Contact Blanca Cars and explain that the key may be locked inside.
Step 3: Keep the Vehicle Secure
If the key has been lost somewhere away from the vehicle, consider whether the car is currently locked and secure.
If the vehicle is unlocked, stay with it if possible until you have spoken to Blanca Cars.
Do not leave luggage, passports, wallets, phones or other valuable belongings visible inside an unsecured rental car.
If you think the key may have been stolen rather than simply lost, tell Blanca Cars when you call.
A missing key can potentially be a security issue as well as an inconvenience.
Step 4: Contact Blanca Cars Immediately
The next step is to contact Blanca Cars.
The current emergency number published by Blanca Cars is:
+34 653 221 333
When you call, provide as much useful information as possible.
Tell us:
- Your name
- Your rental vehicle
- Your current location
- Where the car is parked
- When you last remember having the key
- Whether the vehicle is locked
- Whether your belongings are inside
- Whether you think the key is lost, locked inside or stolen
Blanca Cars will advise you on what happens next.
Do Not Call an Independent Locksmith First
It may be tempting to search online for the nearest locksmith and ask them to open the vehicle or create another key.
Do not do this without speaking to Blanca Cars.
Modern vehicle keys often contain electronic immobiliser technology and must be correctly matched to the vehicle.
An unauthorised attempt to open or reprogram the car could cause additional problems.
The vehicle belongs to the rental company, so Blanca Cars should coordinate the solution.
Why Are Modern Rental-Car Keys Expensive?
A modern car key is usually much more than a simple piece of cut metal.
Depending on the vehicle, it may contain:
- Remote locking electronics
- An immobiliser transponder
- Keyless-entry functions
- Push-button start technology
- Security coding specific to the vehicle
Replacing a key can therefore involve more than simply cutting another metal blade.
The replacement may need to be programmed to communicate with the car.
This is one reason lost rental-car keys should be reported immediately.
Is There a Charge for Losing a Blanca Cars Key?
Yes.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ states that a €300 fee applies to the loss of a rental-car key.
Customers should always refer to the rental agreement and current terms applicable to their booking.
The important point is to contact Blanca Cars as soon as you know the key is missing so the appropriate solution can be arranged.
What If the Key Was Stolen?
If you have good reason to believe the key was stolen, tell Blanca Cars immediately.
For example, you may discover that a bag containing the vehicle key has been stolen from a beach, restaurant or other location.
Do not simply treat this as an ordinary lost property situation.
The vehicle’s security may also need to be considered.
Depending on the circumstances, you may also need to report the theft to the relevant police authority.
Follow the instructions Blanca Cars provides.
What If You Lose the Key at the Beach?
This is an especially realistic situation on the Costa Blanca.
Car keys can disappear into:
- Sand
- Beach bags
- Towels
- Sunbed storage
- Changing areas
If you lose the key at the beach, carefully retrace your movements before leaving the area.
Ask nearby beach clubs, restaurants or lifeguard facilities whether a key has been handed in.
If you still cannot find it, contact Blanca Cars.
Do not leave the rental vehicle unsecured while you spend hours searching somewhere else.
What If You Lose the Key Far From Your Accommodation?
You may be exploring Dénia, Jávea, Calpe, Benidorm or another destination when you realise the key is missing.
Do not worry about trying to solve the transport problem yourself before reporting the missing key.
Contact Blanca Cars first.
Tell us exactly where the vehicle is parked.
A map pin from Google Maps or Apple Maps can be particularly useful.
You can also provide:
- Street name
- Car park name
- Nearby business
- Beach name
- Hotel
- GPS location
Accurate location information can make assistance easier to arrange.
What If the Dashboard Says “Key Not Detected”?
A “Key Not Detected” message does not necessarily mean you have physically lost the key.
Modern keyless vehicles can display this warning if the car cannot detect the electronic key.
Volkswagen, for example, explains that a keyless vehicle can display a key-not-in-vehicle warning when the electronic key is no longer detected, and the vehicle may not restart once switched off if the key is not present.
First check that the key is actually inside the vehicle.
Look in bags, pockets and around the seats.
If you have the key but the car still does not recognise it, contact Blanca Cars for advice.
Do not dismantle the key fob yourself.
What If You Find the Key After Calling Blanca Cars?
Contact Blanca Cars again immediately.
Let us know that the key has been found.
Do not assume that previously arranged assistance will automatically be cancelled.
A quick call can prevent unnecessary travel, replacement arrangements or costs.
How to Reduce the Risk of Losing a Rental-Car Key
A few simple habits can help.
Try to keep the rental key in the same secure place throughout your holiday.
Avoid placing it loose on:
- Restaurant tables
- Beach towels
- Bar counters
- Sunbeds
- Swimming-pool furniture
- Shop counters
If you are going to the beach, use a zipped compartment in your bag.
Do not leave the key unattended beside the sea or swimming pool.
And avoid attaching personal addresses or accommodation information to the rental-car key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do First If I Lose My Blanca Cars Key?
Check your belongings and retrace your steps.
If you cannot find the key, call Blanca Cars on +34 653 221 333.
What If the Key Is Locked Inside the Car?
Do not force the vehicle open.
Contact Blanca Cars and explain the situation.
Should I Call a Locksmith?
Not before contacting Blanca Cars.
The rental company should coordinate access or replacement of the vehicle key.
Is There a Lost-Key Charge?
Blanca Cars’ current FAQ states that a €300 fee applies to a lost rental-car key.
What If the Key Was Stolen?
Tell Blanca Cars immediately and explain the circumstances.
Follow the instructions you are given regarding the vehicle and any necessary police report.
What If the Key Is With Me but the Car Says “Key Not Detected”?
Check that the key is inside the vehicle and away from places where it may be difficult for the vehicle to detect.
If the warning remains, contact Blanca Cars.
Lost Your Rental-Car Key? Remember These Steps
If you lose your rental-car key in Spain:
STAY CALM.
RETRACE YOUR STEPS.
CHECK WHETHER THE KEY IS INSIDE THE CAR.
KEEP THE VEHICLE SECURE.
DO NOT FORCE THE CAR OPEN.
DO NOT ARRANGE YOUR OWN LOCKSMITH OR REPLACEMENT KEY.
CONTACT BLANCA CARS ON +34 653 221 333.
Losing a key is inconvenient, but trying to solve the problem yourself can potentially make matters more complicated.
Contact Blanca Cars, provide your exact location and allow us to advise you on the correct next step.
Blanca Cars includes 24-hour telephone road assistance for customers, providing support when unexpected problems arise during the rental.