How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't so long ago that misplacing keys to your car was an easy thing to do. Now, things can be much more complicated and expensive.
It's crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can regardless of whether it's an older key or a modern key fob. Here's how. This will stop anyone from taking your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
If you lose something of importance like keys or your wallet, it can be very stressful and can even cause panic. There are a few ways to find the item and trace your steps. You must remember where you last saw the car last so that you can start your search. Then, think about what you did from there.
If you own an GPS device it is possible to make use of it to determine the location of your key fob. This is only applicable if you have an electronic key, and not a traditional one.
Close your eyes and imagine the day you had trying to remember the last time that you saw the keys. This will help you identify important clues about where they are.
Another way to trace your steps is to use a flashlight and scour the area where you suspect they could be. This is particularly useful when your clothes are dark or you're parking in a shaded area. You can also enlist the help of your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can give you a fresh perspective that could spot things you missed.
If you're having issues getting your coach steps to stay extended (even when the step switch is turned off) then you should purchase 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 the steps will remain retracted. This is also a good option when you want the steps to remain retracted while your coach is in storage at an agent.
Call the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it's a difficult experience. It can be a long time to retrace your steps, searching your house, office or other places you might have left keys. It is likely that your car keys are missing, and you'll need to contact someone to assist you. This can be done through a dealership or a locksmith. Depending on your situation and the kind of key you have either of these options may be better than the other.
In general, dealerships are able to create replacement keys for the cars they sell. They also have access to more details about the vehicle than a locksmith could provide, such as information about the way in which the vehicle is secured. lost car key have no spare can make them the most suitable option for certain types of cars, especially if your keys have a transponder or other security features. However it is important to remember that the dealership will likely be more expensive than locksmiths.
Some cars have a special key that is known as a smart with a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. This enables drivers to unlock and start their car without the use of a traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's best to call the dealership to get the replacement. Before they can make a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and your identity to verify. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip to the car's system, which can take a few days.
It's a good idea to keep an extra smart-key in your pocket. You might be able use it to get into your vehicle if you are unable to reach the dealership immediately. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this type of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is covered, they'll offer you an alternative and could be able track the location of your car. They can even send a tow truck to bring the vehicle back and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your car keys was not a big issue until recently. If you lost your keys you might have an extra key on your keychain or in a small container attached to the car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that modern cars today and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace. You might need to visit a dealer or a locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
A locksmith will usually be the cheapest option. They can create a replacement key in a matter of minutes. Some people choose to contact their insurance company to inquire whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a replacement key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not cover stolen or lost keys to vehicles. While some may offer add-on coverage that does however, it's not common. Roadside assistance is another option, but this usually only covers costs for if you lock your keys in your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to get a replacement key made. This involves connecting a chip to the vehicle, and you'll need to provide proof ownership like your registration or title. This is an additional cost that could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Some homeowners' insurance policies provide coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, but only a few insurance companies offer this option. It's worth comparing rates with your insurance provider in case you have this type of coverage. Whatever you decide to do, it's crucial that you inform your insurer that the keys have been lost, so that they can review their records and notify you in the event that the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or losing keys was not a major problem. You could go to a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. The technology used in automobiles has advanced to the point that keys can be costly to replace.
The first thing you should do is file a report with the police. This will allow them to find the person responsible and make it easier for your to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll need to provide some basic information, such as the make and model of your car and your name and address. You may also need to provide proof of ownership, such as an V5C form that has your name on it.
Find a spare, if you have one. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access like a jacket's back pocket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You can ask around to see who has seen it, such as your roommates or relatives. You should also check in public spaces, like libraries and restaurants. You may find your keys in these places, as they keep keys that have been found and returned.
You might also want to consult a professional auto locksmith if you can afford it. They can modify the key without the original key, and can even disable the older one so that it cannot be used by someone else to steal your vehicle. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system to accomplish this but it's worth it if the car has been taken.
It's difficult to know when your car keys may be lost. But it's best to prepare for the most likely. Follow these tips to reduce your chances of being a victim. Also, ensure you have an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. This article was contributed by Emma, a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.