How to Locate a key car lost (click to investigate)
A few years ago, finding (or losing) your car keys was a common occurrence. Today, things can be much more costly and complicated.
It doesn't matter if it's a standard key or a more sophisticated car key fob, it's essential to notify the lost item as quickly as you can. Here's how. It will stop thieves from using keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and cause panic if you lose an item of importance, such as keys. However, there are methods to trace your steps and find the item. You need to remember where you last saw the car last so that you can start your search. Then, think about what you did from there.
If you own an GPS device, you can also make use of it to determine the whereabouts of your key fob. This only works if 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 will help you identify important clues about where they are.
Another method to retrace your steps is using a flashlight to scour the area where you think they might be. This is particularly helpful in the event that your clothing is dark or you are parked in a shaded location. You can also seek the help of friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can give you a fresh set of eyes and could discover things you missed.
If you're having trouble with your coach steps staying extended (even when the step switch is turned off) take a small bar magnet and connect it to the screen door sensor on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is shut and the steps will remain in a retracted position. This method is also useful for those who want the steps to remain retracted while your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it can be a very frustrating experience. You could spend hours retracing your steps and searching your office, house and other locations where you might have left them. It is likely that the keys to your car are missing and that you will need to call someone to assist you. This can be done either through a dealership or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and type of key one of these options may be better than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships for cars are equipped to make replacement keys for the brand of vehicles that they sell. They also have access to more details about the car than a locksmith would have, including details on how the car is secured. They are the best choice for certain cars, especially when your keys have security features such as transponders. However, it is important to remember that the dealership will be more expensive than locksmiths.
Some cars have a special key called a smart key that has a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. This can allow drivers to unlock and start the car without using a traditional key. It is best to contact the dealer if you lose this key type. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and your identity to verify. The dealer must also pair the new chip with the car's computer. This can take several days.
It's a good idea keep a spare smart-key in your pocket. You might be able utilize it to access your vehicle even when you're not able to get to the dealership in time. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is, they will offer you a brand new car and may be able locate the vehicle. They could send a tow-truck in to recover your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of keys to your car was not a huge issue until recently. You might have kept a spare key 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 just went and got another. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more sophisticated nowadays and require more sophisticated keys, which are more difficult to lose and are more costly to replace. You may have to visit a dealer or a locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your car.
A locksmith will usually be the most affordable option. They can make a replacement key within a matter of minutes. However, some people prefer to call their car insurance company to find out whether they have roadside assistance that will cover the cost of obtaining the new key.
The majority of standard auto insurance policies do not cover lost car keys replaced or stolen keys. Although some policies may include add-on coverage that does, it is rare. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it usually only covers the costs for locking the keys inside your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key.
You'll have to visit the dealer to get an electronic replacement key fobs. This involves pairing the new chip with your vehicle, so you'll need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your car registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and could take longer than contacting a local locksmith.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional protection for keys to your home and garage door openers, but not many car insurance companies have this feature in their policy options. It's worthwhile to compare rates with your insurance provider in case you have this coverage. Whatever you decide to do, it's important that you inform your insurer that the keys are lost key car so that they can verify their records and inform you if the vehicle is ever reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing them was not a huge issue. You could just go to a locksmith and get a new key cut right there. The technology in cars has advanced to the point where keys can be expensive to replace.
The first thing you must do is to make a report to the police. This will help them track down the thief and will aid you to prove that you keys were taken. You'll need to provide some basic information, such as the make and model of your vehicle as well as your address and name. You may need to provide proof of ownership, like an V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare, if you already have one. Sometimes, they are stored in easy-to-access places like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry when you leave the house. It is possible to ask to see if anyone has seen your spare, for instance your roommates or family members. You should also check in public places, such as libraries and restaurants. These places often have keys that have been discovered and returned, and you might be lucky enough to find yours among them.
You may also wish to speak with a professional automotive locksmith if you can afford it. They can change the key's programming without the original one, and even disable the old one to ensure that it can't be used by someone else to steal your vehicle. They may have to dismantle part of the ignition system to do this but it's worth it if your vehicle has been taken.
There's no way to predict when your car keys might be lost, but it's better to prepare for the worst. Use these tips to lower the chance of becoming a victim of crime. Also, keep a spare car key on you at all times. You never know when it will save your life! This article was contributed by Emma who is a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.