How to Locate a Key Car Lost
Not too long ago losing (or losing) keys to your car was a simple affair. Nowadays, things can get much more complicated and expensive.
It's crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can regardless of whether it's an older key or a modern key fob. Here's how. It will help prevent someone from using the keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract your Steps
If you lose something of importance such as your keys or your wallet, it can be very stressful and even panic-inducing. There are several options to locate the item and retrace your footsteps. You need to remember where you last saw the car last so that you can begin your search. Then consider the next steps you took from there.
You can also track your key fob by using the GPS device. This only works if you have an electronic key and not a traditional key.
Close your eyes and visualize the day you had trying to remember the last time that you were able to see the keys. This can help you identify important clues about where they are.
Another way to trace your steps is using a flashlight to look around the area in which you believe they may be. This is especially useful if you have dark clothing or are in a shaded area. You can also seek the assistance of your friends and family members to help find your keys. They will be able to give you a fresh set of eyes and might be able to see things you have missed.
If your coach's steps are always extended even when the step switch is switched off, connect a small bar of magnet to the door sensor of the screen that is located on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is shut and the steps will remain in a retracted position. This solution also works well if you would like the steps to remain at a retracted position while your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys, it can be a very difficult experience. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching for them in your office, home or other places you might have lost them. You'll have to accept that your car keys are missing, and you'll have to call someone to assist you. You can do this by calling either a locksmith or dealer. Based on the circumstances and the type of key, one of these options may 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 details about the car than a locksmith might have, including details on the way in which the vehicle is secured. They are the best option for certain vehicles, particularly those keys that have security features such as a transponder. However it is important to keep in mind that a dealership will likely be more expensive than locksmiths.
Some cars have a special key, referred to as 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 is best to contact the dealership if you lose this key type. They'll require proof of your identity and have proof of ownership before they are able to produce the new key. The dealer must also pair the new chip with the car's computer. This could take a few days.
A good idea is to keep a spare smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to enter the vehicle with it if you can't get into the dealership right away. Another good alternative is to inquire with your insurance company if this kind of loss is covered by your policy. If so, they'll be able to offer you a replacement and may even be able track the location of your car. They could send a tow-truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a major issue. You may have had a spare attached to your car in a little box or on your keychain and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you simply bought another. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that modern cars nowadays and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more costly to replace. You might need to visit a dealer or a locksmith depending on the year, model and model of your car.
A locksmith will usually be the cheaper option. They can create keys replacements within a matter of minutes. However, some prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company and see whether they have roadside assistance that can cover the cost of obtaining a new key.
Unfortunately, most standard auto insurance policies don't provide coverage for stolen or lost car keys. It is rare to find an additional policy that covers stolen or lost car keys. Roadside assistance can be another option. However, it typically only covers the cost if you lock the keys inside your vehicle, and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key.
You'll need to go to the dealer to obtain an electronic replacement key fobs. This requires connecting a chip to the car, so you'll be required to prove ownership for example, your registration or title. This is a cost which could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a local locksmith.
Some homeowners' insurance policies provide coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, but few car insurance companies offer this type of coverage. If you have this type of coverage, it's worth checking with your provider and comparing rates to find the most affordable price. Whatever you decide to do, it's crucial to inform your insurance company that the keys are lost so that they can check their records and notify you in the event that the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car or loosing them was not a big problem. You could just go to locksmiths 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.
The first thing you need to do is file a report with the police. This will assist in tracking down the thief and also help you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll need to provide some basic information, like the model and make of your vehicle, as well as your name and address. You may also need to prove that you own the vehicle, such as the V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare if already have one. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry around to leave the house. It is possible to ask to see if anyone has seen your spare, such as your roommates or family members. Also, you should check out public spaces, like libraries and restaurants. You may find your key in these places, as they keep keys that have been discovered and returned.
You might also want to contact a specialist automotive locksmith, if you can afford it. They will usually reprogram a key without the original key and even disable the original key so that no one else can use it to steal your car. It might be necessary to dismantle a part of the ignition to do this. But, it's worth it if you've had your vehicle stolen.
There's no way to know the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's recommended to prepare for the worst. Use these tips to minimize the chance of being a victim. Also, make sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it might save your life! Emma is an author and car owner at CarsBlog contributed to this article.
