How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to your car was a common thing to do. Nowadays, things are quite costly and complex.
If it's a traditional key or an advanced car key fob, it's important to notify the lost item as quickly as possible. Here's how. This will stop anyone from taking your car keys.
Retract your Steps
It can be stressful and even create panic if you misplace an item of importance, such as keys. There are, however, ways to trace your steps and locate the item. It is important to remember where you last saw the car last, so that you can start your search. Then, think about where you went after that.
You can also track your key fob using a GPS device. But, this is only applicable when your car is equipped with an electronic component and does not have a traditional key.
Try to visualize your day, close your eyes and try to remember the last time you remember seeing the keys. This can help uncover important clues about the location where they went missing.
Another method to retrace your steps is using a flashlight to search the area you suspect they could be. This is especially useful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are parked in a shaded spot. You may also ask the assistance of your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can provide a new set of eyes that may find things you didn't.
If you're having trouble getting your coach steps to stay extended (even when the step switch is turned off) then you should purchase 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 solution also works well if you want the steps to stay at a retracted position when your coach is in storage at an agent.
Call the Dealership
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching your office, house, and other places where you may have lost keys. Eventually, you have to accept the fact that your car keys are gone and that you'll need to seek assistance. You can do this through a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the circumstance and type of key, one of these choices may be superior to the other.
In general, car dealerships are able to create replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They also have access to more information about the vehicle than a locksmith would, such as details about how the vehicle is secured. This can make them the best option for certain kinds of cars and vehicles, particularly if the keys include a transponder or other security features. It is essential to remember that a dealership will be more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Certain cars come with an electronic smart key that contains a chip inside. This chip can communicate directly with the computer inside the car. This can allow drivers to open and start the car without having a traditional key. It is recommended to call the dealership if you lose this key type. They'll require proof of your identity and have proof of ownership before they can make the new key. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip with the car's computer. This could take several days.
It is a good idea to keep a spare smart key in your pocket because you may be able to enter the car using it if you can't get into the dealership right away. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this type of loss will be covered under your policy. If they are, they can offer you a brand new car and may be able trace the location of it. They can dispatch a tow truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a major issue. If you lost your keys there was an extra on the keychain or in a small bag that was attached to your car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that modern cars now and require more complex keys, which are harder to lose and more expensive to replace. Depending on the make, model and year of your car you might need to visit a dealership or a locksmith to create an entirely new key.
Generally, a locksmith is the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they can make a replacement key for you within a few minutes. Some people, however, prefer to call their car insurance company and see if they have roadside assistance that can cover the cost of purchasing a new key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for stolen or lost keys to vehicles. It's not common to find an additional policy that covers lost or stolen car keys. Roadside assistance is a different option, but this usually only covers costs if you lock your keys in your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
You'll need to go to the dealer to get a replacement key for electronic fobs. This involves connecting a chip to the car, so you will be required to prove ownership for example, your registration or title. This is a cost that could potentially run you a few hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with an experienced locksmith in your area.
Some homeowners' insurance policies include coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, but only a few insurance companies offer this option. It is worth comparing rates with your insurer in case you have this type of coverage. Whatever lost car keys replacement decide to do, it's crucial that you inform your insurer that the keys have been lost so that they can check their records and notify you if the vehicle is ever reported stolen.
Contact the Police
Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car wasn't an issue. Locksmiths could cut a new key on the spot. The technology in cars has advanced to the point that keys can be costly to replace.
You should first file a police report. This will assist them in tracking the perpetrator and make it easier for you 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 be required to provide proof of ownership, for example a V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes, they are kept in easy-to-access places like 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. You should also look in public spaces, like restaurants and libraries. These places often have keys that have been found and turned in and returned, and you may be lucky enough to find yours among them.
You may also wish to consult a professional auto locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They can change the key's programming without the original, and even disable the older one so that it cannot be used by any other person to steal your vehicle. It is possible to dismantle a part of the ignition in order to accomplish this. However, it's worth it if been the victim of theft.
There's no way to predict the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's always best to plan for the worst. Follow these tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim and make sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. This article was contributed by Emma Car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.