How to Locate a Key Car Lost
In the past, finding (or losing) keys to your car was a simple affair. Now, things can be much more complicated and expensive.
It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can, whether it's an older key or a newer fob. Here's how. It can stop thieves from using keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract Your Steps
If you lose something of importance such as your keys, it can be quite anxious and even arousing. There are several options to find the item and follow your steps. It is important to remember where you last saw the car last, so that you can begin your search. Then think about the next steps you took from there.
You can also track your key fob by using an GPS device. This is only possible in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and doesn't have an ordinary key.
Try to imagine your day, close your eyes and try to remember the last time you recall seeing the keys. This can help you find important clues as 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 particularly helpful when you're wearing dark clothes or are in a shaded location. You may also ask the help of friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can give you a fresh pair of eyes to be able to spot things you missed.
If you're having difficulty with your coach steps staying extended (even when the step switch is off) then you should purchase a small bar magnet and connect it to the screen door sensor on the door frame. This will tell the system that the door is closed and the steps will remain retracting. This solution also works well if you would like the steps to remain at a retracted position when your coach is storage 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 for them in your office, house or other places you may have lost keys. It is likely that your car keys are missing and you'll need to contact someone for help. This can be done through a dealer or a locksmith. Based on your particular situation and the type of key you have either of these options might be more appropriate than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to make replacement keys for the brands of vehicles they sell. They also have access to more information about the car than a locksmith would, such as details about the way in which the vehicle is secured. This makes them the ideal choice for certain types of cars, especially if your keys include a transponder or other security features. However it is crucial to remember that a dealership will likely be more expensive than locksmiths.
Some cars have a special key, referred to as a smart key, which has an internal chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to open and start the car without having a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealership when you lose the key type. Before they can create a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and identity to confirm. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip with the car's computer. This can take several days.
It's a good idea to keep a spare smart-key in your pocket. You might be able use it to get into your car even when you're not able to make it to the dealership right away. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If so covered, they'll provide you with a replacement and may even be able to track the location of your car. They could send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys, it was not a major issue. You may have had a spare attached to your car in a little box or kept it on your keychain, and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you just went out and bought a new. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that cars are more sophisticated today and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace. Depending on the make and model, as well as the year of your car, you may have to visit a dealership or a locksmith to create a new key.
Generally locksmiths are the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they are able to make a new key for you in just a few minutes. However, some prefer to contact their car insurance provider to see whether they have roadside assistance that covers the cost of obtaining the new key.
The majority of standard auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys. While some may have additional coverage, it is rare. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it typically only covers the cost for locking the keys inside your vehicle. It does not cover the cost to replace the key.
You'll have to visit the dealer to purchase the replacement key for electronic fobs. This involves pairing the new chip with your vehicle, so you'll need to show proof of ownership, like your registration number or title. This is an additional cost which could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with a local locksmith.
Some homeowners' insurance policies provide coverage for garage door openers and keys, but few car insurance companies offer this option. If you have this type of coverage, it's worth contacting your insurance provider and comparing rates to find the best deal. Whatever you decide to do, it's crucial to inform your insurance company that the keys have been lost to check their records and notify you if the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
A few years ago losing or misplacing keys to your car wasn't a big deal. lost car keys could cut a new car key on the spot. Today, cars are more technologically advanced, and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
First, you should make a police report. This will help them track down the thief and help you to prove that you keys were taken. You'll be required to provide basic details such as your car's make and model as well as your name and address. You may also be required to prove that you own the vehicle, such as the V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare if you have one. Sometimes, they are kept in easy-to-access places, such as the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you use when you leave the house. You can ask around to determine whether anyone has seen it, like your roommates or relatives. Also, lost car key should check out public spaces, like restaurants and libraries. These areas often collect keys that have been found and returned and you could be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
If you can afford it you may also try contacting an expert in automotive locks. They can modify the key without the original key, and can even disable the older one so that it cannot be used by anyone else to steal your vehicle. It might be necessary to remove a part of the ignition to accomplish this. But, it's worth it if you have had your car stolen.
There's no way of knowing when your car keys might be lost, but it's better to prepare for the worst. Follow these guidelines to reduce your chance of becoming a victim of crime. Also keep a spare vehicle key on you at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. Emma, blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog, contributed this article.