How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was a common task to perform. Today, things can be much more costly and complicated.
It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can regardless of whether it's an older key or a more modern fob. Here's how. This will prevent anyone from stealing your car keys.
Retract your steps
It can be stressful and even cause panic when you lose an item of importance, such as keys. However, there are ways to retrace your steps and locate the object. You need to remember where you saw the car last, so that you can start your search. Then think about the next steps you took from there.
You can also track your key fob with an GPS device. This only works if you have an electronic key, and not a traditional one.
Try to imagine your day close your eyes and try to recall the last time you recalled seeing the keys. This can help you identify important clues about where they are.
Another method to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight to scour the area where you believe they may be. This is especially useful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are parked in a shaded location. You can also seek the help of friends and family members to help find your keys. They can give you a fresh perspective that could spot things you missed.
If your coach steps always extend, even when the step switch is turned off, attach a small bar of magnet to the screen door sensor situated on the door's frame. This will notify the system that the screen door sensor is closed, and the steps will be retracted. This method is also useful for those who want the steps to remain in place while your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it's a difficult experience. It can be a long time to retrace your steps and searching for them in your office, house, and other places where you might have lost keys. You'll have to accept that the keys to your car are missing and you'll have to call someone for assistance. This can be done through a dealer or a locksmith. Based on your particular situation and the kind of key you have, one of these options may be more appropriate than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to design replacement keys for the brand of vehicles they sell. They also have access to more information about the vehicle than a locksmith could provide, such as information about the way in which the vehicle is secured. They are the best choice for certain vehicles, particularly those keys that have security features, such as a transponder. However it is important to remember that the dealership will likely be more expensive than locksmiths.
Certain vehicles have a specific key that is known as a smart that has an internal chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to unlock and start the car without using a traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, it's recommended to contact the dealership to get the replacement. Before they can create a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and your identity to verify. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's computer. This can take several days.
It is a good idea to keep a spare smart key in your purse, as you might be able to get into the vehicle with it when you're unable to go to the dealership right away. Another option is to ask your insurance provider if this type of loss is covered under your policy. If it is, they will provide you with a new vehicle and locate the vehicle. They could even send a tow truck to take the vehicle away and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of car keys was not a big problem until recently. You might have had a spare attached to your car in a little box or kept it on your keychain, and if you lost key for car the one you always had, you just went and got another. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that cars are more advanced today and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more costly to replace lost key. Depending on the make, model and year of your car you might need go to a dealership or a locksmith to make an entirely new key.
Locksmiths are usually the cheapest alternative. They can create an replacement key within a matter of minutes. Some people prefer to contact their insurance provider to see if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a replacement key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for stolen or lost car keys. While some may offer an add-on insurance policy that covers it, it is rare. Roadside assistance is another option, but it usually only covers costs if you lock your keys inside your car and doesn't include the cost of replacing the key itself.
For electronic fobs, you'll have to visit a dealer to have a replacement key created. This involves connecting a chip to the car, so you'll be required to prove ownership, such as your registration or title. This is a cost that could potentially run you a few hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with a local locksmith.
Some homeowners' insurance policies provide coverage for garage door openers and dwelling keys, but only a few insurance companies provide this coverage. If you have this option, it's worth checking with your provider and comparing prices to find the most affordable price. It is essential to inform your insurance company that you've lost keys for my car the keys so that they can verify their records. They will then notify you if the car is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
Not long ago losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just go to a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be costly to replace.
The first thing you should do is file a report with the police. This will help them find the person responsible and help you to prove that you keys were stolen. You'll need to provide some basic information, such as the make and model of your car and your address and name. You may also need to show proof of ownership, for example a V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare, if you already have one. Sometimes, they are kept in accessible places, such as the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry around when you leave home. You can ask around to see whether anyone has seen it, like roommates or family. You should also check in public places, such as restaurants and libraries. You may find your key in these places, as they collect keys that people have found and returned.
You may also want to speak with a professional automotive locksmith, if you can afford it. They can change the key's programming without the original, and can even disable the older one to ensure that it can't be used by someone else to steal your vehicle. They may need to remove part of the ignition system to do this however it will be worth it if your car has been stolen.
It's difficult to know when your car keys may be lost. However, it's important to prepare for the most likely. Follow these steps to lower the chance of being a victim. Also make sure to keep an extra key on hand at all times. You never know when it will save your life! Emma is blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog contributed to this article.