Tire shop gave my keys away

[Phlip77]

Here's a story for you guys, that I'm still shaking my head at.

On friday, I had gotten a big screw in my front tire while driving. Since the treads were very well worn, I knew I would need a new set of tires.
After calling several shops on saturday, I had finally found one that had my size (245/35/20) in stock. I wasn't looking for anything special or expensive.

So the shop was only open till 12 but they told me they would work until my tires were done because they were a little behind in schedule.
I get a call at 2pm that car is ready to be picked up. 10 Minutes later I get a call back from the shop, apparently another customer was in the shop getting a quote. This customer had left with my keys (that were on the clipboard). The rep told me he attempted to contact the customer but the number is out of service.

He stated that the customer is supposed to be going back to the shop monday and he would call me when he got my keys.
I had my spare key, but I'm a little peeved that someone now has my key and key fob.

If they don't get the key back on monday, I will be pissed. At minimum, I will request that the fob and key are replaced and that they are paying for the fob(s) to be reprogrammed.
Are the keys in the 05 Grand Prix's equipped with a chip? And if so, is it possible the when replacement key is made, that the car can be reprogrammed to no longer accept the previous key?

Any input is appreciated. How would you guys feel if this situation happened to any of you?

Thanks

[Bio248]

sounds like a scam. they don't just give people the wrong keys.

[Bluemagic]

First, your tire service should have been free just because of the ignorance of the shop for giving your keys away.

Second,

I have no idea about the key reprogramming. Lol

[industrialfish]

Yes our keys are chipped, and a new key+fob learn will prevent any other key+fob from working, but a copied key still works in the door and the glove compartment.

sounds like a scam. they don't just give people the wrong keys.

Also this. Your car may come up missing at some point.

[Phlip77]

Yeah I thought so too. He said something about having them on a clipboard on the counter when he quoted a customer.
And that the customer had taken them. But since the customer is expected to return Monday, he should be able to get them.

I've never ever heard of this happening to anyone else.

[Phlip77]

If car goes missing, I will be losing my **** on them.
I've had bad luck maintenance wise on this car since I got it. Pretty much all caught up there but some of the bad luck still continues.

[industrialfish]

Yeah I thought so too. He said something about having them on a clipboard on the counter when he quoted a customer.
And that the customer had taken them. But since the customer is expected to return Monday, he should be able to get them.

I've never ever heard of this happening to anyone else.

The "customer" won't return Monday. He likely went in for a "quote" to try to steal someones keys.

[Bluemagic]

Lmao sounds about right. Sadly it really does. Is there somewhere safe you can park your car? Were you followed home? I would be borderline worried

[spazzz]

Sounds like someone lifted your keys with a bogus number. Getting a quote with a non working phone and a "I'll be back Monday" line.

He must like your car.

[Phlip77]

Damn, now the more I think about, the more worry some it is.

I'm going to be calling them Monday (Hopefully I still have a car). Looks like I will be requesting all locks (and ignition)be replaced at their cost. Plus my key fobs

[Bluemagic]

Absolutely, keys can be copied. A weekend is more than enough time to copy a key and case your home. Smh.

[Phlip77]

Absolutely, keys can be copied. A weekend is more than enough time to copy a key and case your home. Smh.

I only gave the shop, the car key and fob. No house keys

[Bluemagic]

Whew that's great.

[industrialfish]

Damn, now the more I think about, the more worry some it is.

I'm going to be calling them Monday (Hopefully I still have a car). Looks like I will be requesting all locks (and ignition)be replaced at their cost. Plus my key fobs

Not sure how things work in Canada, but at least in Ohio, USA they are on the hook for at least that much. I would file a police report at minimum, and call a lawyer that does "free consultation" to find out your options. When a shop takes a car into the building, they do assume all responsibility for it.

[Bluemagic]

Yup. Dead on.

[Scottydoggs]

Damn, now the more I think about, the more worry some it is.

I'm going to be calling them Monday (Hopefully I still have a car). Looks like I will be requesting all locks (and ignition)be replaced at their cost. Plus my key fobs

block your car in tonight if at all possible, or unhook and remove the battery or something to help keep it safe.

the shop should be replacing your locks any way you slice it. for free.

[Bluemagic]

That's a great idea. Never would have thought about that. Hope it all works out for ya man. Keep us posted!

[Phlip77]

I usually park in the driveway as the garage has been full recently from just moving Aug 1. There's now enough space there, so I put the car in the garage tonight.

My concern is replacing the keys is one thing, but if they now have a copy of the original, I would need new locks/ignition in order to make that key or any copies, useless.

[spazzz]

Can you call the Mounties now so it is on record?

[Scottydoggs]

doors trunk, and ignition tumbler. all change able. will cost them as much as the tires if not more......