How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car was an easy thing to do. Nowadays, things can get much more complicated and expensive.
It doesn't matter if it's a standard key or an advanced car key fob, it's important to report the loss as soon as possible. Here's how. It will help prevent someone from using the keys to steal your car.
Retract your steps
When you lose something important, like your keys or your wallet, it can be very stressful and even panic-inducing. There are a few ways to find the item and retrace your steps. The first thing you need to remember is the last time you saw the key car, so you know where to start your search. Then, think about where you went after that.
If you own an GPS device it is possible to make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. This is only applicable if you are using an electronic key and not a traditional key.
Close your eyes and think about the day you spent in the present, and then try to remember the last time you saw the keys. This can help you to discover important clues to where they are.
Another method to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight to scour the area where you think they might be. This is especially helpful when you're wearing dark clothes or are parking in a shaded spot. You can also ask your friends and family to help you locate your keys. They can provide a fresh set of eyes and might be able to discover things you missed.
If you're having trouble getting your coach steps to stay 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 notify the system that the door is closed and the steps will remain in a retracted position. This method is also useful when you would like the steps to remain at a retracted position when your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Call the Dealership
It can be frustrating to lose your keys. It can be a long time to retrace your steps, searching your house, office, and other places where you may have lost them. You'll need to accept that the keys to your car are missing, and you'll have to call someone to assist you. You can do this by calling an auto dealer or locksmith. Depending on your situation and the kind of key you have one of these options might be more appropriate than the other.
Generally speaking, car dealerships are equipped to create replacement keys for the brand of vehicles they sell. They have more information about the vehicle than locksmiths with regards to the security features of the vehicle. They are the best option for certain vehicles, especially when your keys come with security features, such as a transponder. It is essential to remember that a dealership is more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Certain vehicles have a specific key, referred to as a smart key, which has an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to open and start the car without having a traditional key. It is best to contact the dealer in the event that you lose this key type. They'll require proof of your identity and provide proof of ownership before they are able to make an original key. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip with the car's system, which could take a few days.
A good idea is to keep an extra smart key in your purse, as you might be able to get into the car using it if you can't get into the dealership immediately. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If so, they can provide you with a new vehicle and could be able to trace the location of it. They could 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 was not a huge issue. If you lost your key, you could have an extra key on your keychain or in a small container connected to the car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that modern cars today and require more sophisticated keys, which are harder to lose and more expensive to replace. You may have to go to a dealer or locksmith based on the year, make and model of your car.
Generally, a locksmith is the most affordable option for most people, and they can make a replacement key for you within a few minutes. Some people decide to contact their insurance provider to inquire if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a replacement key.
Unfortunately, the majority of auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys to vehicles. It is rare to find an add-on policy that covers lost or stolen car keys. Roadside assistance is a second option, but it usually only covers costs if you lock your keys in your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
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 be required to prove ownership like your registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than contacting the local locksmith.
Certain homeowner's insurance policies include coverage for garage door openers and keys, but few car insurance companies offer this option. lost vehicle key replacement is worth comparing rates with your insurer in case you have this type of coverage. Whatever you decide to do, it's crucial that you inform your insurer that the keys are lost, so that they can review their records and notify you in the event that the vehicle is ever reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing keys was not a major problem. You could just go to a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. Now, cars are much more technologically advanced and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
The first thing you should do is to make a report to the police. This will assist them in tracking the culprit and aid you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll have to provide basic information like your car's make and model along with your name and address. You may also need to prove that you own the vehicle like the V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare if you have one. Sometimes, they are kept in easy-to-access places like the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you carry around when you leave the house. You may want to inquire to see if anyone has seen your spare, for instance your roommates or family members. Also, make sure to check public areas like libraries and restaurants. These areas usually collect keys that have been found and turned in, and you might be lucky enough to find yours among them.
If you are able to afford it you could also consider contacting an expert in automotive locks. They are able to reprogram keys without the original key and even disable the original key so that no one else can use it to steal your vehicle. It might be necessary to remove a part of the ignition to accomplish this. But, it's worth it if been the victim of theft.
It's impossible to predict the time when your car keys could be lost. However, it's important to be prepared for the worst. Follow these tips to minimize the chance of becoming a crime victim. Also keep replace lost car key with you at all times. You never know when it might save your life! This article was written by Emma Car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.