How to Locate a Key Car Lost
In the past, losing (or losing) keys to your car was a common occurrence. Nowadays, things can get much more complicated and expensive.
It doesn't matter if it's a standard key or a more advanced car key fob, it's crucial to notify the loss as quickly as possible. Here's how. This will stop anyone from getting your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
If you lose something of importance, like your keys it can be extremely stressful and even panic-inducing. There are a few ways to find the item and trace your steps. You must remember where you last saw the car in the last time so that you can begin your search. Next, consider where you went following that.
If you own a GPS device it is possible to make use of it to determine the location of your key fob. However, this only works when your car is equipped with an electronic component and doesn't have an ordinary key.
Close your eyes and think about the day you had, and then try to remember the last time that you saw the keys. This can help uncover important clues about the location where they went missing.
A flashlight is an excellent method to locate your lost possessions. Make use of it to look for the area you suspect they could be located in. This is particularly helpful if your clothing is dark or you're parked in a shaded area. You may also ask the help of your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They will be able to give you a fresh set of eyes and may discover things you missed.
If you're having issues with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is OFF) take a small bar magnet and attach it to the screen door sensor on the door frame. This will notify the system that the door is closed and keep the steps retracting. This method is also helpful for those who want to keep the steps retracted when your coach is being stored at the dealer.
Call the Dealership
It can be frustrating to lose your keys. You may be forced to retrace your steps and looking for keys in your home, office and in other places. Eventually, you have to accept that the keys to your car have disappeared and you'll have to contact assistance. This can be done through either a locksmith or a dealership. Depending on the circumstance and type of key, one of these two options may be better than the other.
Generally speaking, car dealerships are equipped to design keys that can be used to replace the brand of vehicles they sell. They have more information on the vehicle than a locksmith and can provide more details regarding the security features of the vehicle. This makes them the ideal choice for certain kinds of vehicles particularly if your keys have a transponder or other security features. It is important to keep in mind that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Some cars have a special key that is known as a smart that has an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to unlock and start their car without the need for a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealer when you lose the key type. They'll need to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership before they are able to create a new key. The dealer must also connect the new chip to the car's computer. This could take several days.
It is a good idea to keep an extra smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to enter the vehicle with it when you're unable to go to the dealership immediately. Contact your insurance company to find out 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 determine the location of your car. They can send a tow-truck in to recover your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a big deal. If you lost your keys there was an extra key on your keychain or in a small bag attached to the car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more advanced now and require more complex keys that are more difficult to lose and more costly to replace. Depending on the model, model and year of your car you may need go to a dealership or a locksmith to make an entirely new key.
In general locksmiths are the cheaper option for most people, and they are able to make a replacement key for you within a few minutes. Some people decide to contact their insurance company to see whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a new key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not cover stolen or lost car keys . It is rare to find an add-on policy that covers stolen or lost keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a second option, but this usually only covers costs when you lock your keys in your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
For electronic fobs, you'll have go to a dealership to have a new key made. This involves pairing a chip with the car, so you will be required to prove ownership like your registration or title. This is a cost which could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and could take longer than working with an experienced locksmith in your area.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers, but not many car insurance companies have this feature in their policy options. If you do have this coverage, it is worth contacting your insurance provider and comparing prices to find the most affordable price. It is essential to inform your insurance company you've lost the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will then inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
A few years ago, misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply visit a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. Today, cars are more advanced in technology and keys can be costly to replace.
The first thing you must do is make a report to the police. This will help them find the person responsible and aid you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll have to provide basic information such as your car's make and model along with your name and address. You may also have to provide proof that you own the car, such as the V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare, if you already have one. Sometimes, they are kept in places that are easy to access, such as a jacket's back pocket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You may want to inquire about anyone who has seen your spare, such as your roommates or family members. You should also check in public spaces, like libraries and restaurants. You may find your key in these locations, which collect keys that people have found and returned.
You may also wish to contact a specialist automotive locksmith, if you can afford it. They can change the key's programming without the original, and can even disable the older one to ensure that it can't be used by any other person to steal your vehicle. 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 your car has been taken.
It's difficult to know when your car keys may be lost. However, it's better to be prepared for the most likely. Use these tips to minimize the chance of being a victim. Also, make sure to keep a spare key handy at all times. You never know when a spare key could save your life. Emma is a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog wrote this article.