How to Locate a Key Car Lost
In the past, misplacing (or losing) keys to your car was a common occurrence. Nowadays, things can get much more complicated and expensive.
Whether it's a traditional key or a more sophisticated car key fob, it's essential to report the loss as soon as possible. Here's how. This will prevent anyone from stealing your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
If you lose something that is important such as your keys it can be extremely stressful and can even cause panic. There are a few ways to locate the item and retrace your footsteps. You need to remember where you saw the car last, so that you can begin your search. Then consider the next steps you took from there.
If you have a GPS device, you can also use it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. But, this is only applicable if your car has an electronic component and does not have a traditional key.
Try to imagine your day, close your eyes and try to recall the last time you recalled seeing the keys. This could help stir up important clues about where you lost them.
Another method to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight and look around the area in which you think they might be. This is especially helpful if your clothing is dark or you're parking in a shaded area. You may also ask the help of your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can offer a fresh perspective that could spot things you missed.
If you're having difficulty with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is turned off) then you should purchase a small bar magnet and connect it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will notify the system that the door is closed and keep the steps in a retracted position. This is also a good option in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted when your coach is stored at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You could spend hours retracing your steps and searching for them in your house, office and other locations where you might have lost keys. It is likely that the keys to your car are missing, and you'll have to call someone for help. This can be done through a dealership or a locksmith. Depending on your situation and the type of key you own one of these options may be better than the other.
In general, car dealers can create replacement keys for the vehicles they sell. They also have access to more details about the car than a locksmith would have, including details on the way in which the vehicle is secured. This can make them the ideal choice for certain types of cars, especially if your keys have a transponder or other security features. However it is crucial to remember that a dealership will likely be more expensive than a locksmith.
Some cars come with a smart key that contains a chip in it. This chip can communicate directly with the computer inside the car. This allows drivers to start and unlock their vehicle without the use of traditional keys. It's best to contact the dealership 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 verify. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's system, which can take a few days.
A good idea is to keep a spare smart key in your purse, because you may be able to access the car using it in the event that you aren't able to get into the dealership immediately. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is it is, they'll provide you with an alternative and could be able to track the location of your car. They can dispatch a tow truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys, it was not a huge issue. breaking news may have kept a spare key 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 bought another. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more advanced today and require more sophisticated keys, which are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace. You might need to visit a dealer or a locksmith based on the year, make and model of your car.
A locksmith is usually the cheapest option. They can create keys replacements within a matter of minutes. Some people, however, prefer to contact their car insurance provider to see if they have roadside assistance that covers the cost of purchasing a new key.
Most auto insurance policies don't cover keys stolen or lost. While some may have add-on coverage that does but it's rare. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it usually only covers the cost when you lock the keys in your vehicle. It does not cover the cost to replace the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to have a replacement key created. This process involves pairing the new chip with your vehicle, which means you'll have to provide proof of ownership, like your car registration or title. This is an additional cost which could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and could take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Certain homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for garage door openers and keys, but only a few insurance companies provide this coverage. If you do have this coverage, it is worth contacting your insurance provider and comparing rates to find the most affordable price. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's important to inform your insurance company that the keys are lost so that they can verify their records and inform you in case the vehicle is ever reported stolen.
Contact the Police
In the past the loss or misplacement of your car keys was not an issue. Locksmiths could cut a new key on the spot. Nowadays, cars are more advanced in technology and keys can be expensive to replace.
It is recommended to first start by filing a police complaint. This will help them locate the culprit and aid you to prove that your keys were taken. You will need to provide basic information like your car's model and model as well as your name and address. You may be required to show proof of ownership, like a V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare if you have one. Sometimes, they are stored in easy-to-access places like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you use when you leave the house. You can ask around to determine who has seen it, like your roommates or relatives. You should also look in public places like restaurants and libraries. You may find your key in these places, as they collect keys that people have found and returned.
If you can afford it you could also consider contacting an expert automotive lock. They will usually reprogram keys without the original one and even disable the old one so that no-one else is able to use it to steal your car. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system to accomplish this, but it will be worth it if the car was stolen.
It's impossible to know when your car keys may be lost. However, it's better to prepare for the most likely. Follow these tips to minimize the chance of becoming a victim. Also, keep a spare car key on you at all times. You never know when it might save your life! Emma, a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog, contributed this article.