How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was a simple task to perform. Nowadays, things are quite costly and complex.
It's crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can regardless of whether it's an older key or a modern key fob. Here's how. This will prevent anyone from taking your car keys.
Retract your steps
It can be stressful and cause panic when you lose things that are important, like keys. However, there are ways to retrace your steps and find the item. It is important to remember where you last saw the car last, so that you can start your search. Then, think about the next place you went after that.
You can also track your key fob by using an GPS device. This only works if you have an electronic key, and not a traditional one.
Close your eyes and visualize the time you spent there, and then try to recall the last time you were able to see the keys. This could help bring up clues to the location where they went missing.
Another method to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight to search the area you believe they may be. This is especially useful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are parked in a shaded area. You can also seek the help of friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can give you a fresh perspective that could be able to spot things you missed.
If you're having issues getting your coach steps to stay extended (even when the step switch is OFF) take a small bar magnet and attach it to the sensor for the screen door 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 if you wish to keep the steps retracted when your coach is being stored at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys, it's a stressful experience. You could spend hours retracing your steps and searching your office, house and other locations where you may have left keys. It is likely that your car keys are missing and you'll have to call someone for assistance. This can be done through an auto dealer or locksmith. Depending on the situation and the kind of key you have one of these options might be better than the other.
In general, dealerships are able to create replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They also have access to more information about the car than a locksmith would have, including details on the way in which the vehicle is secured. They are the best choice for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys have security features such as a transponder. It is important to remember that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Certain cars have a special smart key that contains an embedded chip. This chip can communicate directly with the computer of the car. This enables drivers to unlock and start their car without using a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealer when you lose the key type. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and 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 purse, because you may be able to enter the car using it when you're unable to go to the dealership right away. Ask your insurance company whether this type of loss will be covered under your policy. If so, they can provide you with a new car and may be able trace the location of it. They may even send a tow truck to bring the vehicle back and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Losing your car keys was not a major issue until recently. If you lost your keys there was an extra on the keychain or in a small box connected to the car. But now, automobiles are more advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and more expensive to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You may have to go to a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Locksmiths are usually the most affordable alternative. They can create keys replacements within a matter of minutes. However, some prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company and see whether they offer roadside assistance that will cover the cost of obtaining an additional key.
Most auto insurance policies don't cover lost or stolen keys. While some may have add-on coverage that does however, it's not common. Roadside assistance may be an option. However, it generally only covers the costs when you lock the keys to your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to have a replacement key created. This involves pairing a chip with the car, so you'll be required to prove ownership, such as your registration or title. This is an additional cost that could potentially run you a couple hundred dollars or more, and could take longer than working with an experienced locksmith in your area.
Some homeowners' insurance policies include coverage for garage door openers and keys, but only a few insurance companies offer this type of coverage. It is worth comparing rates with your insurance provider if you have this type of coverage. Whatever you decide to do, it's important to inform your insurance provider that the keys are lost, so that they can check their records and notify you in case the vehicle is ever reported stolen.
Contact the Police
Not long ago, misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could go to a locksmith and get a new key cut right there. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
The first thing you must do is submit a police report to the police. car key lost no spare will assist in tracking the culprit and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll be required to provide basic details like your car's model and model, your name and your address. You may be required to show proof of ownership, like the V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to locate it. Sometimes these are stored in places accessible to the public like a jacket's back pocket or the purse used when you leave home. It is possible to ask about anyone who 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 turned in and you could be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
You may also want to consult a professional auto locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They can usually reprogram a key without the original and can even disable the original key so that no one else has the ability to steal your vehicle. They may have to dismantle part of the ignition system to do this, but it will be worth it if your car was taken.
It's impossible to predict when your car keys may be lost. However, it's better to prepare for the most likely. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of becoming a victim and make sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it will save your life! This article was contributed by Emma Car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.