How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was an easy task to perform. Today, things can be much more costly and complicated.
It's important to report a lost key immediately, whether it's an older key or a newer fob. Here's how. This will stop anyone from stealing your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and cause panic when you lose an item of importance, such as keys. Fortunately, there are some ways to trace your steps to find the object. The first thing you need to do is remember the last time you seen the car that was key to know where to begin your search. Then think about where you went from there.
You can also track your key fob using an GPS device. This only works if you have an electronic key and not a traditional key.
Close your eyes and visualize the time you spent there trying to recall the last time you saw the keys. This will help you find important clues as to where they are.
A flashlight is an excellent method of locating lost items. Make use of it to look around the area you suspect they may be in. This is especially helpful 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 locate your keys. They can give you a fresh set of eyes that may be able to spot things you missed.
If your coach steps are always extended, even when the step switch is switched off, connect an iron bar to the door sensor of the screen that is located on the door's frame. This will inform the system that the screen door sensor is closed and the steps will be retractable. This is also a good option when you want the steps to remain retracted while your coach is in storage at the dealer.
Call the Dealership
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You might have to spend time retracing steps and searching for them in your home, office and many other places. Eventually, you have to accept that the keys to your car have disappeared and you'll need to seek help. This can be done through either a locksmith or a dealership. Based on your particular situation and the type of key you own, one of these options may be better than the other.
Generally speaking, car dealerships are equipped to create replacement keys for the brand of vehicles that they sell. They also have access to more information about the car than a locksmith might provide, such as information about the way in which the vehicle is secured. This can make them the most suitable option for certain kinds of vehicles particularly if your keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. It is important to keep in mind that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Certain cars have a smart key that contains a chip inside. This chip can communicate directly with the computer of the car. This enables drivers to start and unlock their vehicle without using a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealer in the event that you lose this key type. They'll have to verify your identity and have proof of ownership before they can make the new key. The dealer must also connect the new chip with the car's computer. This could take several days.
A good idea is to keep a spare smart key in your pocket because you may be able to access the car using it if you can't get into the dealership right away. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If it is, they will offer you a brand new vehicle and trace the location of it. They can dispatch a tow truck in to recover your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Losing your keys to your car was not a huge problem until recently. You might have kept a spare key attached to your car in a small box or kept it on your keychain and if you lost the one you always had, you just bought another. car keys lost replacement is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more sophisticated today and require more sophisticated keys, which are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace. You might need to visit a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Locksmiths are usually the most affordable option. They can create an replacement key in just a few minutes. Some people, however, prefer to contact their car insurance company and see whether they have roadside assistance that can cover the cost of purchasing an additional key.
The majority of standard automobile insurance policies do not cover keys stolen or lost. It's not common to find an additional policy that covers lost or stolen car keys. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it usually only covers the costs if you lock the keys inside your vehicle, and doesn't cover the cost to replace the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to visit a dealer to have a replacement key made. This process involves affixing the new chip with your vehicle, so you'll need to show evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This is a cost that could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and could take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional protection for keys to your home and garage door openers, but not all insurance companies have this feature in their policies. It is worth comparing rates with your insurer in case you have this type of coverage. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's crucial that you inform your insurer that the keys have been lost to verify their records and inform you in case the vehicle is ever reported stolen.
Contact the Police
A few years ago losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just go to a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. The technology used in automobiles has advanced to the point that keys can be costly to replace.
First, you should file a police report. This will help them track down the thief, and it will also make it easier for your to prove that your keys were taken. You'll need to provide basic information, like the make and model of your vehicle as well as your name and address. You may also need to prove that you own the vehicle for example, the V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes, they are kept in places that are easy to access, such as the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you carry to leave the house. You can ask around to determine if anyone has seen it, such as your roommates or relatives. You should also check in public spaces, like restaurants and libraries. You might find your key in these places, as they keep keys that have been found and returned.
If you can 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 old one so that no-one else has the ability to steal your car. They may have to dismantle part of the ignition system to do this however it will be worth it if the car was taken.
It's impossible to predict the time when your car keys could be lost. However, it's important to prepare for the worst. Follow these tips to minimize your chances of becoming a crime victim. Also keep a spare vehicle key in your car at all times. You never know when it could save your life! Emma, blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog, contributed this article.