How to Locate a Key Car Lost
Not too long ago finding (or losing) your car keys was a straightforward matter. Today, things can become much more complicated and costly.
It doesn't matter if it's a standard key or a more advanced car key fob, it's important to notify the lost item as quickly as you can. Here's how. This will prevent anyone from taking your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and even cause panic when you lose an item of importance, such as keys. There are several options to locate the item and retrace your footsteps. The first thing you need to remember is where you last saw the key car, so you know where to start your search. Then consider where you went from there.
You can also track your key fob using an GPS device. This only works if have an electronic key, and not a traditional one.
Try to visualize your day close your eyes and try to remember the last time you remember seeing the keys. This can help to stir up important clues about the location where they went missing.
A flashlight is a great way to find your lost possessions. Use it to look around the area you think they could be located in. This is especially helpful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are parked in a shaded spot. You can also ask your friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can offer a fresh perspective that could spot things you missed.
If your coach steps always extend, even when the step switch is switched off, connect a small bar of magnet to the screen door sensor located on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is shut and will keep the steps retracting. This solution is also useful in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted when your coach is stored at an agent.
Call the Dealership
It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. You could be forced to retrace your steps and searching for them in your office, home and in other places. In the end, you must accept the fact that the keys to your car have disappeared and you'll need to seek assistance. You can do this through a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on your situation and the type of key you own one of these options could be more appropriate than the other.
In general, car dealerships have the ability to make replacement keys for the vehicles they sell. They have more information on the vehicle than locksmiths and can provide more details regarding the security features of the vehicle. This can make them the most suitable option for certain kinds of vehicles, especially if your keys include a transponder or other security features. However it is crucial to keep in mind that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith.
Some cars have a special key called a smart key with an internal chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to unlock and start the car without a traditional key. It's best to call the dealership in the event that you lose this key type. Before they can create a new key, they'll require proof of ownership as well as your identity to verify. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's computer, which can take a couple of days.
It is a good idea to have a spare smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to access the car using it when you're unable to go to the dealership right away. Contact your insurance company to find out if this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If they are, they can offer you a brand new vehicle and could be able to locate the vehicle. They could send a tow-truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your car keys was not a major issue until recently. You might have had a spare attached to your car in a small box or on your keychain and when you lost the one you always had, you simply went and got another. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that cars are more sophisticated nowadays and require more sophisticated keys, which are more difficult to lose and are more costly to replace. You might need to visit a dealer or a locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Locksmiths are usually the most affordable option. They can create a replacement key within a matter of minutes. Some people choose to contact their insurance provider to find out whether roadside assistance is covered by the cost of a new key.
Unfortunately, the majority of standard auto insurance policies don't cover stolen or lost keys to vehicles. While some may have additional coverage, it is rare. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it generally only covers the cost when you lock the keys in your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost to replace the key.
You'll need to go to the dealer to get a replacement key for electronic fobs. This requires pairing a chip with the vehicle, and you'll require proof of ownership for example, your registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and could take longer than contacting a local locksmith.
lost vehicle key replacement cover garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, but only a few insurance companies offer this option. It's worth comparing rates with your provider in case you have this coverage. Regardless of what replace a lost car key choose 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 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 big issue. You could go to a locksmith and get a new key cut right there. Now, cars are much more technologically advanced, and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
First, you should start by filing a police complaint. This will help them locate the culprit and will help you to prove that you keys were taken. You'll need to provide basic information such as your car's make and model as well as 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 already have one. Sometimes, they are stored in places accessible to the public like 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 family members. Also, you should look into public spaces such as libraries and restaurants. These areas usually collect keys that have been found and then returned and you could be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
If you can afford it you may also try contacting an expert in automotive locks. They can modify the key without the original, and can even disable the older key so that it can't be used by someone else to steal your car. It may be necessary to remove a part of the ignition in order to accomplish this. But, it's worth it if been the victim of theft.
It's impossible to know when your car keys may be lost. But it's best to be prepared for the most likely. Follow these tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim and be sure to keep a spare key handy at all times. You never know when it might save your life! This article was written by Emma who is a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.