How to Locate a Key Car Lost
Not too long ago finding (or losing) keys to your car was a simple affair. Nowadays, things can get more complicated and costly.
Whether it's a traditional key or an advanced car key fob, it's essential to notify the lost item as quickly as possible. Here's how. It will stop someone from using the keys to steal your car.
Retract your steps
It can be stressful and cause panic when you lose things that are important, like keys. Fortunately, there are some methods to trace your steps and locate the item. The first thing to remember is where you last saw the key car to know where to begin your search. Then consider what you did from there.
If you own a GPS device, you can also make use of it to determine the whereabouts of your key fob. However, this only works in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and doesn't have a traditional key.
Close your eyes and think about the time you spent there trying to remember the last time that you saw the keys. This can help you to find important clues as to where they are.
A flashlight is an excellent way to find your lost possessions. Use it to look around the area you think they could be in. This is particularly helpful when your clothes are dark or you are parked in a shaded area. You may also ask the help of your friends and family members to help you find your keys. They can give you a fresh perspective that could spot things you missed.
If your coach's steps are always extended even when the step switch has been switched off, connect a small bar of magnet to the sensor for the screen door situated on the door's frame. This will notify the system that the door sensor is closed, and the steps will be reduced. This solution is also useful for those who want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is being stored at an agent.
Contact the Dealership
It can be frustrating to lose your keys. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching your house, office or other places you may have left keys. At some point, you'll have to accept that your car keys are gone and that you'll need to seek help. This can be done either through a dealership or a locksmith. Depending on your situation and the type of key you have one of these options could be more suitable than the other.
In general, dealerships have the ability to make replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They can provide more information about the vehicle than a locksmith, including details about the security features of the vehicle. This can make them the best option for certain types of cars, especially if your keys include a transponder or other security features. It is essential to remember that a dealership can be more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Some cars have a special key that is known as a smart, which has an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This can allow drivers to open and start the car without a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealer if you lose this key type. Before they can create a new key, they'll need proof of ownership as well as your identity to confirm. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's system, which can take a few days.
It is a good idea to have a spare smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to get into the car with it even 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 it is, they'll be able to offer you an alternative and could be able to determine the location of your vehicle. They could send a tow-truck in to recover your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of car keys was not a major problem until recently. You may have had a spare attached to your car in a little box or on the keychain, and when you lost the one you always had, you simply went out and bought a new. But now, cars are more advanced and they require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and more costly to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Depending on the make and model, as well as the year of your car you may need go to a dealer or a locksmith to make an entirely new key.
In general, a locksmith is the cheaper option for most people, and they can create a replacement key for you in just a few minutes. Some people prefer to contact their insurance provider to see whether roadside assistance is covered by the cost of a new key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for stolen or lost keys to vehicles. It is rare to find an add-on policy that covers stolen or lost keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a different option, but this usually only covers the cost the event that you lock your keys inside your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll have go to a dealership to have a new key made. This process involves affixing the new chip with your vehicle, so you'll need to show evidence of ownership, such as your registration number or title. This is a cost which could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with an experienced locksmith in your area.
Some homeowners insurance policies offer additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers, but not all insurance companies offer this feature in their policies. It's worth comparing rates with your provider if you have this type of coverage. Whatever you decide to do, it's important to inform your insurance provider that the keys have been lost, so that they can check their records and notify you in case 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 huge problem. You could simply visit a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. lost car key replacement used in automobiles has advanced so much that keys can be costly to replace.
The first thing you must do is file a report with the police. This will assist in tracking the perpetrator and help you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll need to provide some basic information, including the model and make of your vehicle as well as your address and name. You may also be required to provide proof 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 accessible places, such as the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry around to leave the house. You might ask around to find who has seen it, for instance roommates or family. 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.
If you have the money you may also try contacting an expert in automotive locks. They can modify the key without the original, and can even disable the older one so that it cannot be used by anyone else to steal your car. It may be necessary to remove a part of the ignition in order to accomplish this. However, it is worth it if had your vehicle stolen.
It's impossible to predict when your car keys may be lost. However, it's important to prepare for the most likely. Follow these guidelines to reduce the chance of becoming a victim. Also keep a spare vehicle key in your car at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. Emma is an author and car owner at CarsBlog contributed to this article.