How to Locate a Key Car Lost
In the past, misplacing (or losing) keys to your car was a simple affair. Nowadays, things can get much more complicated and costly.
It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can regardless of whether it's a vintage key or a more modern fob. Here's how. This will stop anyone from getting your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and cause panic if you lose an item of importance, such as keys. There are several ways to find the item and retrace your footsteps. The first thing you need to do is remember where you last visited the key car, so you know where to start your search. Next, consider where you went after that.
You can also track your key fob with the GPS device. However, this only works in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and doesn't have a traditional key.
Close your eyes and imagine the day you spent trying to recall the last time you were able to see the keys. This could help stir up important clues about the location where they went missing.
A flashlight is an excellent method to locate your lost items. Make use of it to look for the area you suspect they may be in. This is particularly helpful when you're wearing dark clothes or are parking in a shaded location. You can also ask friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can provide a new perspective that could find things you didn't.
If your coach steps are always extended even when the step switch has been turned off, attach a small magnet to the door sensor of the screen located on the door frame. This will signal to the system that the screen door sensor is closed, and the steps will be reduced. This is also a good option for those who want to keep the steps retracted even when your coach is stored at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it can be a very difficult experience. You could be forced to retrace your steps and looking for them in your office, home and other places. In the end, you must accept that the keys to your car are gone and you'll have to contact help. You can do this by calling a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and the type of key you own one of these options may be more appropriate than the other.
In general, car dealerships are able to create replacement keys for the cars they sell. They can provide more information about the vehicle than locksmiths and can provide more details regarding the security of the vehicle. They are the best option for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys come with security features like a transponder. However it is important to keep in mind that a dealership will likely be more expensive than a locksmith.
Certain cars come with an electronic smart key that has a chip in it. This chip communicates directly with the computer of the car. This enables drivers to start and unlock their vehicle without using a traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's recommended to call the dealership for the replacement. Before they can create a new key, they'll require proof of ownership as well as your identity to confirm. The dealer will also have to pair the new chip with the car's system, which can take a few days.
It's a good idea keep an extra smart-key in your pocket. You may be able to use it to get into your vehicle even when you're not able to get to the dealership in time. Another good option is to inquire with your insurance company if this type of loss is covered by your policy. If so it is, they'll provide you with a replacement and may even be able to determine the location of your vehicle. They can dispatch a tow truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of keys to your car was not a huge problem until recently. If you lost your keys, you could have an extra key on your keychain or in a small box connected to the car. However, today's automobiles are more advanced, and they require more sophisticated keys that are less likely to lose and more costly to replace lost key for car, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You may need to visit a dealer or a locksmith based on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Generally, a locksmith is the most affordable option for most people, and they are able to create a replacement key for you within a few minutes. Some people choose to contact their insurance company to see whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a new key.
Unfortunately, the majority of standard auto insurance policies don't cover stolen or lost keys to cars. It's not common to find an additional policy that covers stolen or lost car keys replacement cost keys to cars. Roadside assistance is another option, but this usually only covers costs when you lock your keys inside your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
You'll need to go to the dealer to purchase the replacement key for electronic fobs. This requires pairing a chip with the car, so you will be required to prove ownership, such as your registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than contacting a local locksmith.
Some homeowners' insurance policies cover garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, however, few car insurance companies provide this coverage. It's worth comparing rates with your insurer if you have this type of coverage. Whatever you decide to do, it's essential to inform your insurance company that the keys are lost to check their records and notify you in the event that the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your car keys lost or losing keys was not a major problem. Locksmiths could cut a brand new car key right on the spot. The technology used in automobiles has advanced to the point that keys can be expensive to replace.
The first thing you need to do is to make a report to the police. This will help them track down the thief and make it easier for your to prove that you keys were stolen. You'll have to provide basic information, like the model and make of your car and your name and address. You may also be required to provide proof that you own the car for example, the V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to find it. Sometimes, they are kept in easy-to-access places, such as the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you carry when you leave the house. You might ask around to find who has seen it, such as your roommates or relatives. Also, you should check out public places like libraries and restaurants. These places often have keys that have been found and then returned and you could be lucky enough to find yours among them.
If you are able to afford it you may also try contacting an expert in automotive locks. They can usually reprogram a key without the original key and even disable the old key so that nobody else can use it to steal your car. It might 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.
There's no way to know when your car keys will be lost keys in car, but it's always best to plan for the worst. 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 a spare key might save your life. This article was written by Emma Car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.