How to Locate a Key Car Lost
A few years ago, finding (or losing) your car keys was a common occurrence. Today, the process can be quite costly and complex.
Whether it's a traditional key or a more sophisticated 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
When you lose something important, like your keys it can be extremely stressful and even panic-inducing. There are several ways to find the item and follow your steps. It is important to remember where you last saw the car in the last time so that you can begin your search. Next, consider where you went following that.
You can also track your key fob by using an GPS device. This is only possible when your car is equipped with an electronic component and does not have a traditional key.
Close your eyes and imagine the time you spent there, and then try to recall the last time you were able to see the keys. This can help you to find important clues as to where they are.
Another method to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight and look around the area in which you believe they may be. This is especially helpful if your clothing is dark or you are parked in a shaded location. You can also enlist the assistance of your friends and family members to help you find your keys. They can offer a fresh set of eyes that may spot things you missed.
If your coach's steps always extend, even when the step switch is shut off, attach a small magnet to the screen door sensor situated on the door's frame. This will signal to the system that the screen door sensor is closed, and the steps will be retracted. This method is also helpful for those who want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is stored at an agent.
Call the Dealership
It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. You could have to spend time retracing steps and searching for them in your office, home and other places. At some point, you'll have to accept that the keys to your car are gone and you'll need to seek assistance. This can be done through a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on your situation and the kind of key you have either of these options could be better than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships for cars are equipped to design replacement keys for the brand of vehicles they sell. They also have access to more information about the vehicle than a locksmith could have, including details on how the car is secured. They are the best option for certain cars, especially those keys that have security features such as a transponder. It is important to keep in mind that a dealership is more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Certain cars come with a unique key called a smart key with a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to unlock and start the car without using a traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, you'll need to contact the dealer to request an alternative. Before they can create a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and identity to confirm. The dealer must also pair the new chip to the car's computer. This can take several days.
It's a good idea keep an extra smart-key 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 alternative is to inquire with your insurance provider if this type of loss is covered by your policy. If they are, they can provide you with a new vehicle and could be able to locate the vehicle. They can dispatch a tow truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your car keys was not a major problem until recently. You might have kept a spare key attached to your car in a little box or kept it on the keychain, and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you simply bought another. But now, automobiles are more advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and are more costly to replace, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You might need to visit a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Generally locksmiths are the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they are able to create a replacement key for you in only a few minutes. Some people, however, prefer to contact their car insurance company to find out whether they have roadside assistance that covers the cost of obtaining a new key.
Unfortunately, the majority of standard auto insurance policies don't cover lost or stolen keys to cars. It's rare to find an additional policy that covers stolen or lost keys to cars. Roadside assistance can be another option. However, it typically only covers the costs when you lock the keys inside your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll have go to a dealership to have a replacement key made. This requires connecting a chip to the vehicle, and you'll need to provide proof ownership, such as your registration or title. This is an added expense that could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Some homeowners insurance policies offer additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers but not many car insurance companies include this option in their policies. It is worth comparing rates with your insurer in case you have this type of coverage. It's important to inform your insurance company that you have lost the keys so that they can verify their records. They will then notify you if the vehicle is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that losing your keys to your car or losing them was not a big problem. You could simply visit an locksmith and have a new key cut right there. lost key replacement car , cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be expensive to replace.
The first thing you should do is submit a police report to the police. This will assist them in tracking the culprit and aid you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll need to provide basic information, including the model and make of your vehicle, as well as your name and address. You may also be required to prove that you own the vehicle for example, the V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes, they are stored in accessible places, such as the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry around when you leave the house. You might want to ask about anyone who has seen your spare, such as your roommates or family members. Also, make sure to check public places like libraries and restaurants. You might find your key in these places, which keep keys that have been found and returned.
If you are able to afford it you may also try contacting an expert automotive lock. They will usually reprogram a key without the original key and even disable the old one so that no-one else is able to use it to steal your car. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system to do this however it will be worth it if the car was stolen.
It's impossible to know when your car keys might be lost. However, it's important to prepare for the worst. Use these tips to minimize your chances of being a victim. Also, make 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.