How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car was a simple task to perform. Nowadays, things are quite costly and complex.
Whether it's a traditional key or an advanced car key fob, it's crucial to notify the lost item as quickly as possible. Here's how. It will help prevent thieves from using keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract Your Steps
When you lose something important, like your keys it can be extremely stressful and even panic-inducing. Fortunately, there are some ways to trace your steps and find the object. The first thing to remember is the last time you saw the key car to know where to start your search. Then, think about where you went following that.
You can also track your key fob by using an GPS device. This is only possible in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and does not have an ordinary key.
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 identify important clues about where they are.
A flashlight is a great method to locate your lost belongings. Use it to look for the area you suspect they may be in. This is particularly helpful in the event that your clothing is dark or you're parking in a shaded location. You may also ask the assistance of your friends and family members to help find your keys. They will be able to provide a fresh set of eyes and might be able to see things you have missed.
If your coach steps always extend, even when the step switch is shut off, attach a small bar of magnet to the screen door sensor situated on the door's frame. This will inform the system that the screen door sensor is closed and the steps will be retracted. This is also a good option if you want the steps to stay retracted while your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. It can be a long time to retrace your steps, searching your house, office and other locations where you may have left keys. You'll have to accept that your car keys are missing, and you'll have to call someone for help. This can be done through a dealership or a locksmith. Depending on your situation and the kind of key you have one of these options may be more suitable than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to make keys that can be used to replace the brand of vehicles that they sell. They have more information on the vehicle than locksmiths, including details about the security features of the vehicle. They are the best choice for certain cars, especially when your keys come with security features like transponders. It is important to remember that a dealership can be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Some cars come with a special smart key that has a chip in it. This chip communicates directly with the computer inside the car. This enables drivers to unlock and start their car without using a traditional key. It's best to call the dealership in the event that you lose this key type. Before they can make a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and your identity to verify. The dealer will also need to connect the new chip to the car's system, which could take a few days.
It's a good idea keep an extra smart-key in your pocket. You might be able use it to get into your car even in the event that you're unable to reach the dealership immediately. Another alternative is to inquire with your insurance company if this type of loss is covered under your policy. If so it is, they'll provide you with an alternative and could be able to track the location of your car. They can send a tow-truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a big deal. If you lost your key there was an extra on the keychain or in a small container attached to the car. Nowadays, cars are more advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are less likely to lose and more costly to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Depending on the make and model of your car you may need go to a dealership or a locksmith to create an entirely new key.
A locksmith is usually the cheaper option. They can create keys replacements in a matter of minutes. Some people decide to call their insurance company to inquire whether roadside assistance is covered by the cost of a replacement key.
Unfortunately, the majority of auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys to vehicles. It's rare to find an add-on policy that covers stolen or lost keys to cars. Roadside assistance is another option, but this usually only covers costs the event that you lock your keys in your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing lost keys to a car the key.
You'll need to go to the dealer to purchase a replacement key for electronic fobs. This involves pairing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, so you'll need to show proof of ownership, such as your registration number or title. This is a cost that could potentially run you a few hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with a locksmith prices for lost car keys in your neighborhood.
Certain homeowner insurance policies offer additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers however, not all car insurance companies offer this feature in their policy options. It's worthwhile to compare rates with your insurance provider in case you have this coverage. It is essential to inform your insurance company you have lost the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
In the past, misplacing or losing keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could simply visit an locksmith and have a new key cut on the spot. The technology in cars has advanced so much that keys can be expensive to replace.
The first thing you need to do is file a report with the police. This will allow them to locate the culprit and help you to prove that you keys were taken. You'll have to provide basic information, such as the model and make of your vehicle as well as your name and address. You may need to show proof of ownership, like an V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes these are stored in places that are easy to access, such as a jacket's back pocket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You might ask around to find whether anyone has seen it, such as your roommates or relatives. Also, you should check public places such as libraries and restaurants. You might find your key in these places, which are a repository of keys that people have found and returned.
You might also want to contact a specialist automotive locksmith, if you can afford it. They can modify the key without the original one, and even disable the old one to ensure that it can't be used by any other person to steal your vehicle. It might be necessary to dismantle a part of the ignition to do this. But, it's worth it if been the victim of theft.
There's no way to predict when your car keys will be lost, but it's always best to plan for the worst. Follow these steps to lower your chances of becoming a victim and be sure to keep a spare key handy at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. Emma is a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog contributed to this article.