How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was a common task to perform. Today, things can be quite costly and complex.
If it's a traditional key or a more sophisticated car key fob, it's crucial to notify the loss as quickly as possible. Here's how. It will stop someone from using the keys to steal your car.
Retract your Steps
If you lose something that is important like keys, it can be quite stressful and can even cause panic. There are several options to locate the item and follow your footsteps. It is important to remember where you last saw the car last so that you can start your search. Then think about the next steps you took from there.
If you own a GPS device it is possible to make use of it to track the location of your key fob. But, this is only applicable in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and does not have an ordinary key.
Close your eyes and visualize the day you spent trying to recall the last time that you saw the keys. This will help you discover important clues to where they are.
Another great way to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight and search the area you believe they may be. This is especially helpful if your clothing is dark or you're parking in an area with shade. You may also ask the help of your friends and family members to help find your keys. They can offer a fresh pair of eyes to find things you didn't.
If you're having difficulty with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is turned off), get a small bar magnet and connect it to the screen door sensor on the door frame. This will inform the system that the sensor on the screen is closed, and the steps will be retracted. This method is also useful for those who want the steps to stay at a retracted position while your coach is in storage at an agent.
Contact the Dealership
It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. You may have to spend time retracing steps and looking for keys in your home, office and in other places. It is likely that the keys to your car are missing and you will need to call someone for assistance. You can do this by calling a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and the type of key, one of these two choices may be superior to the other.
In general, dealerships have the ability to make replacement keys for the vehicles they sell. They have more information about the vehicle than locksmiths and can provide more details regarding the vehicle's security. This can make them the ideal choice for certain kinds of vehicles and vehicles, particularly if the keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. However it is crucial to remember that a dealership will likely be more expensive than locksmiths.
Certain cars come with a unique key that is known as a smart with an internal chip 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, it's best to contact the dealer for the replacement. They'll require proof of your identity and have proof of ownership before they are able to produce an original key. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's computer. This can take a few days.
A good idea is to have an extra smart key in your pocket as you might be able to access the car using it if you can't get into the dealership immediately. Contact your insurance company to find out if this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is, they will offer you a brand new vehicle and could be able to track the location of it. They could send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Losing your keys to your car was not a major issue until recently. You may have kept a spare connected to your car in a little box or kept it on your keychain and when you lost the one you always had, you just went and got another. However, today's automobiles are more advanced, and they require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and are more expensive to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You may need to visit a dealer or a locksmith depending on the year, model and model of your vehicle.
Locksmiths are usually the cheaper option. They can make an replacement key within a matter of minutes. car key lost no spare decide to contact their insurance provider to inquire if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a new key.
Most auto insurance policies do not cover keys stolen or lost. It's rare to find an additional policy that covers lost or stolen keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a different option, but it typically only covers costs for when you lock your keys inside your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
For electronic fobs, you'll have to head to the dealership to have a replacement key made. This requires pairing a chip with your vehicle, and you'll need to provide proof ownership for example, your registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than using an authorized locksmith in your area.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers but not all insurance companies offer this feature in their policy options. It is worth comparing rates with your insurance provider for this type of coverage. It's important to inform your insurance company that you've lost your keys so they can check their records. They will then notify you if the vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
In the past losing or misplacing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply visit an locksmith and have a new key cut right there. The technology used in automobiles has advanced to the point where keys can be expensive to replace.
First, you should make a police report. This will help them track the perpetrator and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were taken. You will be required to provide basic details like your car's model and model, your name and your address. You may also be required to prove that you own the car, such as the V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare, if you have one. Sometimes these are stored in places accessible to the public, such as a jacket's back pocket or in the purse you use when you leave home. You might want to ask around for anyone who has seen your spare, like your roommates or family members. Also, make sure to check public areas like libraries and restaurants. You might find your key in these places, which keep keys that have been discovered and returned.
You may also wish to speak with a professional automotive locksmith if you can afford it. They can modify the key without the original one, and even disable the old key so that it can't be used by someone else to steal your car. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system to do this, but it will be worth it if the car has been taken.
There's no way to know the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's best to plan for the worst. Follow these tips to minimize the chance of becoming a victim. Also keep a spare car key in your car at all times. You never know when a spare key might save your life. Emma, a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog, contributed this article.