How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys to your car was an easy task to perform. Today, the process can be quite costly and complex.
It is crucial to report a lost car key replacement key as soon as you can regardless of whether it's a vintage key or a newer fob. Here's how. It will stop someone from using the keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract your steps
If you lose something that is important such as your keys, it can be quite stressful and can even cause panic. However, there are ways to trace your steps and locate the object. You need to remember where you last saw the car last, so that you can begin your search. Then, think about what you did from there.
You can also track your key fob using an GPS device. This is only applicable if you have an electronic key lost and not a traditional key.
Try to imagine your day, close your eyes and try to remember the last time you remember seeing the keys. This can help stir up important clues about where you lost them.
Another great way to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight to search the area you believe they may be. This is particularly helpful if you have dark clothing or are in a shaded location. You can also ask friends and family to help you locate your keys. They can provide a new set of eyes that may be able to spot things you missed.
If you're having issues with your coach steps staying extended (even when the step switch is off) then you should purchase a small bar magnet and connect it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is closed and the steps will remain retracted. This solution also works well if you want the steps to remain in place while your coach is in storage at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it's a stressful experience. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching for them in your office, home and other locations where you may have left them. Eventually, you have to accept that the keys to your car are gone and that you'll need to contact help. You can do this through an auto dealer or locksmith. Based on your particular situation and the kind of key you have either of these options might be better than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to design replacement lost car keys keys for the brand of vehicles that they sell. They also have access to more details about the vehicle than a locksmith would have, including details on how the car is secured. They are the best choice for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys come with security features, such as a transponder. However it is important to remember that a dealership will likely be more expensive than a locksmith.
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 start and unlock their vehicle without the need for traditional keys. If you lose this type of key, it's recommended to contact the dealership to request the replacement. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership as well as your identity to confirm. The dealer must also pair the new chip with the car's computer. This could take several days.
It's a good idea to keep an extra smart-key lost car in your pocket. You might be able make use of it to enter your vehicle in the event that you're unable to reach the dealership immediately. Another option is to ask your insurance company if this kind of loss is covered by your policy. If so, they can offer you a brand new car and may be able track the location of it. They may even dispatch a tow truck to take the vehicle away and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys, it was not a major issue. If you lost your keys, you could have an extra key on your keychain or in a small bag that was attached to your car. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced, and they require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and much more expensive to replace, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You might need to go to a dealer or locksmith based on the year, model and model of your vehicle.
Generally locksmiths are the most affordable option for most people, and they are able to make a replacement key for you within a few minutes. Some people decide to call their insurance company to find out if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a replacement key.
The majority of standard automobile insurance policies do not cover keys stolen or lost. It is rare to find an add-on policy that covers i lost my only car key or stolen car keys. Roadside assistance is another option, but this usually only covers costs for the event that you lock your keys inside your car and doesn't include the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll have go to a dealership to get a replacement key created. This requires pairing a chip with your car, so you will be required to prove ownership like your registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than using a local locksmith.
Certain homeowner insurance policies offer additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers, however, not all car insurance companies offer this feature in their policies. If you have this type of coverage, it's worth contacting your insurance provider and comparing prices to find the best price. It is essential to inform your insurance company you've lost your keys so that they can verify their records. They will inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
A few years ago, misplacing or losing your car keys was not an issue. A locksmith could cut a new car key on the spot. Now, cars are much more advanced in technology and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
The first thing you must do is to make a report to the police. This will assist in tracking the culprit and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll need to provide some basic information, like the make and model of your vehicle as well as your name and address. You may also need to prove that you own the vehicle, such as the V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare if have one. Sometimes, they are kept in places accessible to the public like the back pocket of a jacket or in the purse you use when you leave home. You may want to inquire around for anyone who has seen your spare, for instance your roommates or family members. Also, you should look into public areas like restaurants and libraries. You might find your key in these places, as they are a repository of keys that people have discovered and returned.
You may also want to consult a professional auto locksmith if you can afford it. They are able to reprogram a key without the original key and even disable the original one so that no-one else can use it to steal your car. It may be necessary to remove a component of the ignition to accomplish this. But, it's worth it if you've been the victim of theft.
It's impossible to know when your car keys may be lost. However, it's better to be prepared for the worst. Use these tips to lower the chance of becoming a crime victim. Also keep a spare vehicle key with you at all times. You never know when a spare key might save your life. This article was written by Emma who is a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.