How to Locate a Key Car Lost
In the past, finding (or losing) your car keys was a common occurrence. Today, things can become much more complicated and expensive.
It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can, whether it's an older key or a modern key fob. Here's how. It can stop anyone from using your keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract Your Steps
If you lose something that is important like keys or your wallet, it can be very stressful and can even cause panic. There are, however, ways to trace your steps to find the item. It is important to remember where you saw the car last, so that you can start your search. Then consider the next steps you took from there.
If you own a GPS device it is possible to use it to track the location of your key fob. However, this only works if your car has an electronic component and doesn't have an ordinary key.
Close your eyes and think about the day you had in the present, and then try to remember the last time that you saw the keys. This could help bring up clues to the location where they went missing.
A flashlight is an excellent method of locating lost possessions. Make use of it to search the area you suspect they may be located in. This is particularly useful in the event that your clothing is dark or you're parked in a shaded location. You can also seek the help of friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can offer a fresh set of eyes that may find things you didn't.
If your coach's steps are always extended, even when the step switch is turned off, attach an iron bar to the sensor for the screen door located on the door frame. This will notify the system that the door is closed and will keep the steps in a retracted position. This is also a good option for those who want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is stored at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You may be forced to retrace your steps and looking for them in your home, office and many other places. You'll have to accept that keys to your car are missing, and you'll have to call someone to assist you. This can be done either through an auto dealer or a locksmith. Based on the circumstances and 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 cars they sell. They also have access to more details about the vehicle than a locksmith would provide, such as information about how the car is secured. This makes them the best option for certain kinds of vehicles, especially if your keys include a transponder or other security features. It is important to remember that a dealership is more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Certain cars come with a unique key, referred to as a smart key with an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to unlock and start their car without using the traditional key. It's best to contact the dealership in the event that you lose this key type. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and your identity to verify. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip to the car's computer. This can take a few days.
A good idea is to have a spare smart key in your purse, since you may be able to access the car using it in the event that you aren't able to get into the dealership immediately. Another good option is to inquire with your insurance provider if this type of loss is covered under your policy. If so it is, they'll provide you with an alternative and could be able track the location of your car. They can even dispatch a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. If you lost your key you might have an extra key on your keychain or in a small box that was attached to your car. Nowadays, automobiles are more advanced, and they require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You may need to go to a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, model and model of your car.
Generally locksmiths are the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they can create a replacement key for you in only a few minutes. Some people, however, prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company to find out if they have roadside assistance that covers the cost of obtaining an additional key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for stolen or lost keys to vehicles. While some may offer additional coverage but it's rare. Roadside assistance is a different option, but this usually only covers costs the event that you lock your keys inside your car and doesn't include the cost of replacing the key.
You'll need to go to the dealer to purchase a replacement key for electronic fobs. This involves pairing a chip with the vehicle, and you'll need to provide proof ownership like your registration or title. This is an added expense that could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Certain homeowner's insurance policies include coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, but few car insurance companies offer this type of coverage. It is worth comparing rates with your provider in case you have this type of coverage. Whatever you decide to do, it's essential to inform your insurance company that the keys are lost to review their records and notify you in the event that the vehicle is ever reported stolen.
Contact the Police
Not long ago, misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just go to locksmiths and get a new key cut right there. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
lost car key have no spare should do is to file a report with the police. This will enable them to track down the thief, and it will also help you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll need to provide basic information, like the model and make of your vehicle, as well as your address and name. You may need to provide proof of ownership, like the V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access, such as a jacket's back pocket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You might ask around to find whether anyone has seen it, like roommates or family. Also, you should look into public places such as libraries and restaurants. These places often have keys that have been found and then returned, and you might be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
If you can afford it you could also consider contacting a specialist automotive lock. They can modify the key without the original, and can even disable the older one so that it cannot be used by someone else to steal your vehicle. They may need to remove part of the ignition system in order to accomplish this however it will be worth it if the car has been stolen.
It's impossible to predict when your car keys may be lost. But it's best to be prepared for the most likely. Follow these steps to lower your chance of being a victim. Also ensure you have an extra key on hand at all times. You never know when it might save your life! This article was contributed by Emma, a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.