How to Locate a Key Car Lost
A few years ago, losing (or losing) your car keys was a straightforward matter. Nowadays, things are much more costly and complicated.
It doesn't matter if it's a standard key or a more advanced car key fob, it's important to notify the lost item as quickly as you can. Here's how. This will stop anyone from taking your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and even cause panic when you lose something important like your keys. Fortunately, there are some methods to trace your steps and locate the item. You need to remember where you saw the car last, so that you can start your search. Then think about what you did from there.
If you own a GPS device, you can also make use of it to track the location of your key fob. This only works if have an electronic key, and not a traditional one.
Close your eyes and think about the time you spent there in the present, and then try to remember the last time that you saw the keys. This can help stir up important clues about the location where they went missing.
A flashlight is an excellent way to find your lost items. Use it to look for the area you suspect they may be located in. This is especially helpful if you have dark clothing or are parking in a shaded spot. You can also seek the assistance of your friends and family members to help you find your keys. They can give you a fresh set of eyes that may find things you didn't.
If you're having difficulty with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is off) then you should purchase a small bar magnet and attach it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will notify the system that the screen door sensor is closed and the steps will be retractable. This solution is also useful in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted even when your coach is stored at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be frustrating to lose your keys. You could be forced to retrace your steps and searching for keys in your home, office and other places. It is likely that the keys to your car are missing and that you'll have to call someone for assistance. You can do this through an auto dealer or locksmith. Based on your particular situation and the type of key you have one of these options may be more appropriate than the other.
In general, car dealers have the ability to make replacement keys for the cars they sell. They have more information on the car than a locksmith, including details about the vehicle's security. This can make them the most suitable option for certain kinds of vehicles, especially if your keys have a transponder or other security features. However, it is important to remember that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith.
Some cars have a special key that is known as a smart that has a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to unlock and start the car without using a traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's recommended to call the dealership to get a replacement. They'll require proof of your identity and provide proof of ownership before they can produce a new key. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip to the car's computer. This can take a couple of days.
It's a good idea keep a spare smart-key in your pocket. You might be able to utilize it to access your car even in the event that you're unable to make it to the dealership right away. Contact your insurance company to find out if this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If it is, they will offer you a brand new car and may be able locate the vehicle. They could send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys, it was not a major issue. If you lost your keys, you could have a spare on the keychain or in a small container attached to the car. 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. Based on the make and model, as well as the year of your car you might need go to a dealership or a locksmith in order to make an entirely new key.
Locksmiths are usually the most affordable alternative. They can make a replacement key in just a few minutes. However, some people prefer to contact their car insurance provider to see whether they have roadside assistance that can cover the cost of purchasing a new key.
Unfortunately, most standard auto insurance policies don't provide coverage for stolen or lost keys to vehicles. It's not common to find an add-on policy that covers lost or stolen car keys. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it typically only covers the cost for locking the keys inside your vehicle. It does not include the cost to replace the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll have go to a dealership to get a replacement key created. car key lost no spare requires pairing a chip with your car, so you'll need to provide proof ownership like your registration or title. This is an additional cost which could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with a local locksmith.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers but not all insurance companies include this option in their policy options. If you do have this coverage, it is worth contacting your insurance provider and comparing rates to find the most affordable price. It is essential to inform your insurance company you've lost the keys so that they can verify their records. They will then notify you if the car is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing them was not a big issue. You could just go to an locksmith and have a new key cut right there. The technology in cars has advanced to the point where keys can be costly to replace.
First, you should file a police report. This will assist in tracking the culprit and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were stolen. You will have to provide basic information like your car's model and model along with your name and address. You may also have to provide proof that you own the vehicle, such as the V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes, they are kept in accessible places like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You may want to inquire to see if anyone has seen your spare, for instance your roommates or family members. Also, make sure to check public areas like libraries and restaurants. You may find your keys 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 are able to reprogram a key without the original one and even disable the original one so that no-one else is able to use it to steal your car. It might be necessary to dismantle a part of the ignition to do this. However, it is worth it if you've had your car stolen.
There's no way to know when your car keys might be lost, but it's recommended to prepare for the worst. Follow these tips to reduce your chance of becoming a victim and be sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it could save your life! Emma, a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog wrote this article.