How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't so long ago that misplacing keys to your car was a common thing to do. Nowadays, things are much more expensive and complicated.
It's crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can regardless of whether it's a vintage key or a newer fob. Here's how. This will stop anyone from taking your car keys lost keys.
Retract your Steps
It can be stressful and even create panic if you misplace things that are important, like keys. There are a few ways to locate the item and retrace your footsteps. You need to remember where you last saw the car last so that you can start your search. Then, think about where you went after that.
You can also track your key fob with the GPS device. But, this is only applicable when your car is equipped with an electronic component and does not have an ordinary key.
Close your eyes and think about the day you had, and then try to remember the last time that you were able to see the keys. This can help you to identify important clues about where they are.
A flashlight is a great method to locate your lost possessions. Use it to look for the area you suspect they may be in. This is especially helpful if you have dark clothing or are in a shaded area. You can also seek the help of friends and family members to help you find your keys. They can provide a new pair of eyes to spot things you missed.
If your coach steps are always extended even when the step switch is turned off, attach a small magnet to the screen door sensor that is located on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is closed and keep the steps in a retracted position. This is also a good option in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is stored at an agent.
Contact the Dealership
It can be frustrating to lose your keys. You could need to go through the steps and looking for them in your home, office and other places. You'll need to accept that your car keys are missing and that you'll have to call someone to assist you. You can do this through a dealer or a locksmith. Based on the circumstances and type of key, one of these options may be better than the other.
In general, car dealers have the ability to make replacement keys for the cars they sell. They also have access to more details about the car than a locksmith might provide, such as information about how the car is secured. This makes them the most suitable option for certain kinds of vehicles, especially if your keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. However it is crucial to remember that the dealership will be more expensive than locksmiths.
Certain cars come with a smart key that contains a chip inside. The chip is directly connected with the computer in the car. This enables drivers to start and unlock their vehicle without the use of a traditional key. It is best to contact the dealership if you lose this key type. Before they can create a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and identity to verify. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip with the car's computer. This can take a few days.
A good idea is to have an extra smart key in your pocket since you may be able to enter the car using it when you're unable to go to the dealership immediately. Another good 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 could be able to trace the location of it. They could even dispatch a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of keys to your car was not a major issue until recently. You might have kept a spare connected to your car in a small box or on your keychain, and in the event that you lost car key replacement cost the key you always had, you just went out and bought a new. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that cars are more advanced nowadays and require more sophisticated keys, which are harder to lose and more expensive to replace. Based on the make and model of your car you may need to visit a dealership or a locksmith in order to make an entirely new key.
A locksmith will usually be the cheaper option. They can make an replacement key within a matter of minutes. Some people choose to call their insurance company to see if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a new key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys to cars. It's rare to find an add-on policy that covers stolen or lost car keys. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it usually only covers the costs when you lock the keys to your vehicle and does not cover the cost of replacing a lost car key the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to get a replacement key created. This process involves pairing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, which means you'll have to show evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than hiring an authorized locksmith in your area.
Certain homeowner insurance policies offer additional protection for keys to your home and garage door openers, but not all insurance companies include this option in their policies. It is worth comparing rates with your insurance provider in case you have this coverage. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's essential to inform your insurance provider that the keys have been lost so that they can review their records and notify you if the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
In the past, misplacing or losing your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith could cut a new key right on the spot. The technology used in automobiles has advanced so much that keys can be expensive to replace.
You should first file a police report. This will help them find the person responsible and aid you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll have to provide basic information, like the model and make of your vehicle, as well as your address and name. You may need to provide proof of ownership, such as an V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare if have one. Sometimes, these are kept in accessible places like the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you use to leave the house. You may want to inquire to see if anyone has seen your spare, such as your roommates or family members. Also, you should look into public spaces like restaurants and libraries. You may find your keys in these locations, which keep keys that have been found and returned.
If you have the money you could also consider contacting a specialist automotive lock. They will usually reprogram keys without the original key and even disable the old key so that nobody else can use it to steal your car. It may be necessary to remove a part of the ignition in order to accomplish this. However, it is worth it if you have been the victim of theft.
There's no way to know the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's always best to plan for the worst. Use these tips to minimize your chances of being a victim. Also, ensure you have an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it might save your life! This article was written by Emma, a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.