How to Locate a Key Car Lost
Not too long ago finding (or losing) keys to your car was a straightforward matter. Today, things can become more complicated and costly.
If it's a traditional key or a more sophisticated car key fob, it's important to report the loss as soon as you can. Here's how. It will stop someone from using the keys to steal your car.
Retract your Steps
When you lose something important like keys it can be extremely anxious and even arousing. There are several ways to locate the item and retrace your steps. You must remember where you saw the car last, so that you can start your search. Then consider where you went from there.
If you have an GPS device it is possible to make use of it to determine the whereabouts of your key fob. This only works if you have an electronic key, and not a traditional key.
Close your eyes and think about the time you spent there trying to remember the last time that you were able to see the keys. This could help bring up clues to the location where they went missing.
A flashlight is an excellent method of locating lost items. Use it to look for the area you suspect they may be located in. This is especially helpful if your clothing is dark or you're parking in a shaded area. You can also ask friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can offer a fresh set of eyes that may spot things you missed.
If you're having difficulty with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is off) take a small bar magnet and connect it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will tell the system that the door is shut and keep the steps retracting. This is also a good option for those who want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is being stored at the dealer.
Call the Dealership
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You might need to go through the steps and looking for keys in your office, home and other places. It is likely that your car keys are missing, and you will need to call someone for help. You can do this through an auto dealer or locksmith. Depending on the situation and type of key one of these choices may be superior to the other.
Generally speaking, car dealerships are equipped to create replacement keys for the brands of vehicles that they sell. They also have access to more details about the vehicle than a locksmith could, such as details about how the vehicle is secured. This makes them the ideal choice for certain kinds of vehicles, especially if your keys include a transponder or other security features. However it is crucial to remember that the dealership will be more expensive than locksmiths.
Certain cars come with a unique key, referred to as a smart key, which has a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. what to do if lost car keys allows drivers to unlock and start their car without the need for the traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's best to contact the dealership to request a replacement. They'll need to verify your identity and have proof of ownership before they are able to produce a new key. The dealer must also connect the new chip to the car's computer. This could take a few days.
It's a good idea keep an extra smart-key in your pocket. You might be able use it to get into your vehicle if you are unable to get to the dealership in time. Another option is to inquire with your insurance company if this kind of loss is covered under your policy. If so, they'll be able to provide you with a replacement and may even be able to determine the location of your car. They can even send a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your keys to your car was not a huge issue until recently. You may have kept a spare connected to your car in a tiny box or kept it on your keychain, and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you just went and got another. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that modern cars nowadays and require more sophisticated keys, which are harder to lose and more expensive to replace. You may need to visit a dealer or locksmith based on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Locksmiths are usually the most affordable option. They can make an replacement key in a matter of minutes. Some people, however, prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company and see if they have roadside assistance that will cover the cost of getting an additional key.
The majority of standard automobile insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys. It's 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 costs for if you lock your keys inside your car and doesn't include the cost of replacing the key itself.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to have a replacement key made. This involves connecting a chip to the car, so you'll be required to prove ownership for example, your registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than using the local locksmith.
Some homeowners' insurance policies cover garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, however, few car insurance companies offer this type of coverage. It's worth comparing rates with your insurer for this type of coverage. It is essential to inform your insurance company you've lost the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys or losing them was not a huge issue. Locksmiths could cut a new car key right on the spot. The technology in cars has advanced to the point that keys can be costly to replace.
It is recommended to first start by filing a police complaint. This will help them track the culprit and help you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll have to provide basic information like your car's make and model, your name and your address. You may need to show proof of ownership, like an V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes these are stored in places that are easy to access, such as the back pocket of your jacket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You can ask around to see who has seen it, for instance your roommates or relatives. You should also check in public places, such as libraries and restaurants. You may find your key in these places, which collect keys that people have found and returned.
You may also want to speak with a professional automotive locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They can reprogram the key without the original key, and even disable the old one so that it cannot be used by any other person to steal your vehicle. They may have to dismantle part of the ignition system in order to do this but it's worth it if your car was stolen.
There's no way to predict the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's always recommended to prepare for the worst. Follow these guidelines to reduce the chance of becoming a crime victim. Also, keep a spare car key in your car 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.