How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was a simple task to perform. Today, the process can be quite costly and complex.
If it's a traditional key or a more advanced car key fob, it's important to notify the lost item as quickly as possible. Here's how. This will prevent anyone from stealing your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and even create panic if you misplace things that are important, like keys. There are, however, ways to trace your steps and locate the item. The first thing to do is remember the last time you visited the key car to know where to begin your search. Then consider what you did from there.
If you own a GPS device it is possible to make use of it to determine the location of your key fob. This only works if you have an electronic key, and not a traditional one.
Try to visualize your day, close your eyes and try to recall the last time you recall seeing the keys. This can help you to find important clues as to where they are.
A flashlight is an excellent way to find your lost my only car key items. Use it to look for the area you think they could be in. This is especially helpful if your clothing is dark or you are parked in a shaded location. You can also enlist the assistance of your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can give you a fresh pair of eyes to be able to spot things you missed.
If you're having difficulty getting your coach steps to stay extended (even when the step switch is turned off) take a small bar magnet and connect it to the sensor for the screen door on the door frame. This will notify the system that the door sensor is closed, and the steps will be retractable. This is also a good option when you want the steps to remain retracted when your coach is storage at an agent.
Call the Dealership
It can be frustrating to lose your keys. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching your house, office or other places you may have lost electric key them. You'll need to accept that your car keys are missing and that you'll have to call someone for help. This can be done through an auto dealer or a locksmith. Based on the circumstances and type of key, one of these two options might be better than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to make replacement keys for the brand of vehicles that they sell. They also have access to more information about the car than a locksmith might provide, such as information about how the vehicle is secured. This can make them the ideal choice for certain kinds of vehicles particularly if your keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. It is important to keep in mind that a dealership will be more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Certain cars have a special smart key with a chip inside. The chip is directly connected with the computer of the car. This allows drivers to unlock and start the car without having a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealer in the event that you lose this key type. Before they can create a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and your identity to verify. The dealer will also need to connect the new chip with the car's computer. This can take a few days.
It is a good idea to keep a spare smart key in your pocket, because you may be able to get into the car using it in the event that you aren't able to get into the dealership right away. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If they are, they can provide you with a new vehicle and could be able to track the location of it. They can send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. You might have had a spare attached to your car in a tiny box or kept it on your keychain and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you simply bought another. But now, cars are more technologically advanced, and they require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more costly to replace lost key for car, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle, you may have go to a dealer or a locksmith in order to make an entirely new key.
Generally locksmiths are the cheaper option for most people, and they are able to create a replacement key for you within a few minutes. Some people, however, prefer to contact their car insurance company and see if they have roadside assistance that will cover the cost of getting an additional key.
Unfortunately, the majority of standard auto insurance policies don't provide coverage for stolen or lost keys to cars. While some may have an add-on insurance policy that covers it, it is rare. Roadside assistance may be an option. However, it usually only covers the costs when you lock the keys to your vehicle. It does not include the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll have to visit a dealer to have a new key made. This involves connecting a chip to the vehicle, and you'll need to provide proof ownership like your registration or title. This is an additional cost that could potentially run you a couple hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers however, not all car insurance companies include this option in their policies. If you have this type of coverage, it's worthwhile contacting your provider and comparing prices to find the best deal. It is important to inform your insurance company that you've lost car keys no spare the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will notify you if the car is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
A few years ago, misplacing or losing your car keys was not an issue. Locksmiths could cut a new key right on the spot. Today, cars are more advanced in technology and keys can be expensive to replace.
You should first file a police report. This will help them track the culprit and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll need to provide basic information like your car's model and model along with your name and address. You may also need to provide proof that you own the vehicle, such as the V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes, these are kept in easy-to-access places like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry around to leave the house. You can ask around to see if anyone has seen it, for instance roommates or family. Also, you should look into public places like restaurants and libraries. These areas usually collect keys that have been discovered and then returned and you could be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
You may also wish to speak with a professional automotive locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They can modify the key without the original key, and even disable the older one so that it cannot be used by anyone else to steal your car. They may have to dismantle part of the ignition system to accomplish this, but it will be worth it if the car was taken.
There's no way to predict the exact time your car keys will be lost my spare car key, but it's better to prepare for the worst. Follow these tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim and make sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it might save your life! Emma, a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog wrote this article.