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How not to unlock your car (locksmith edition)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by pmike, Sep 2, 2014.

  1. pmike

    pmike Member

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    Saw this post over at fatwallet.com: Car Damaged By Locksmith *YES...pics included*

    Synopsis: Locksmith damages car while recovering keys locked in Gen2 Prius...battery died while keys left in car.
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Moral of the story.....don't let your 12v die
     
  3. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    I thought the synopsis was some random dude damages other car trying to help and not knowing what he is doing. The "update" said it was just some random good doer.

    Sucks to be her. That is going to be $1K minimum.
     
  4. Fifine

    Fifine Member

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    LOVE the member who kept asking for pictures of the female car owner!
    Yikes o_O

    Not a mention by anyone about how "flimsy" our tin cans are.

    Where's a good spot to stick a hide-a-key, that's reasonably easy to reach?
     
  5. Locksmithy

    Locksmithy Junior Member

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    Locksmiths do not do that sort of damage to vehicles. Roadside firms have generally lowered how much they will pay service providers, and often use jack of all trades. There is an international scam online and in phone books, spanning the service trades such as Locksmiths, Electricians, Plumbers and Pest Control. ready to send out inexperienced people, often uninsured and not background checked. There is also an identity theft component that is of major concern.

    In order to be a locksmith for a number of road club dispatch firms, I would have to carry gasoline, batteries and jumper cables, as well as offer tire hanging and other tow-truck level services. I am a locksmith, not a tow truck.

    The car certainly got jacked, if the dents in the photos was done by the carjacker. I can not for the life of me figure out how THOSE dents could be caused during an opening procedure. Wish you took a video!

    You should definitely file a damage claim with the roadside provider, as you and they have entered into a covenant. They need to handle getting you back to pre-damage condition.

    Be sure to have a trusted, recommended locksmith, plumber, HVAC, Electrician and other such contacts in your cell phone, with cloud backed up... Then when the need arises, you can log into account, find your service firm, and control your destiny!
     
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    It was done by a do gooder mentioned in the previous post #3.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    fobs in car, doors unlocked, 12v dies, doors auto magically lock?