How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to your car was a common thing to do. Nowadays, things are much more expensive 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 possible. Here's how. This will prevent anyone from taking your car keys.
Retract your steps
It can be stressful and cause panic when you lose something important like your keys. There are a few ways to find the item and trace your footsteps. You need to remember where you last saw the car in the last time so that you can begin your search. Next, consider the next place you went after that.
If you have a GPS device, you can also make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. This only works if have an electronic key and not a traditional one.
Close your eyes and think about the day you had trying to remember the last time that you saw the keys. This can help you identify important clues about where they are.
A flashlight is a great way to find your lost items. Use lost car key and no spare to look for the area you suspect they could be in. This is particularly helpful when your clothes are dark or you're parked in an area with shade. You can also ask friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can provide a new pair of eyes to 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 connect it to the sensor for the screen door on the door frame. This will inform the system that the screen door sensor is closed, and the steps will be retracted. This solution also works well if you want the steps to stay at a retracted position while your coach is in storage at the dealer.
Call the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it can be a very frustrating experience. You could have to spend time retracing steps and searching for keys in your home, office and many other places. Eventually, you have to accept that the keys to your car are gone and that you'll need to call for help. This can be done either through a dealership or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and type of key, one of these options might be better than the other.
Generally speaking, car dealerships are equipped to create replacement keys for the brand of vehicles that they sell. They can provide more information about the vehicle than a locksmith and can provide more details regarding the vehicle's security. They are the best choice for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys have security features such as transponders. It is important to remember that a dealership can be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Some cars have a special key that is known as a smart, which has an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This lets drivers start and unlock their vehicle without the use of traditional keys. If you lose this kind of key, it's best to contact the dealership for a replacement. Before they can create a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and identity to verify. The dealer will also need to connect the new chip with the car's system, which can take a couple of days.
A good idea is to have an extra smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to get into the vehicle with it when you're unable to go to the dealership right away. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If it is it is, they'll provide you with an alternate and might be able track the location of your car. They may even provide a tow truck bring the vehicle back and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of car keys was not a big issue until recently. You may have kept a spare connected to your car in a tiny box or kept it on your keychain and if you lost the one you always had, you simply went and got another. 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 make and model of your car, you may have go to a dealership or a locksmith to make a new key.
Generally, a locksmith is the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they are able to make a replacement key for you in just a few minutes. Some people decide to contact their insurance company to inquire whether roadside assistance is covered by the cost of a replacement key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not cover stolen or lost keys to cars. It's rare to find an additional policy that covers lost or stolen keys to cars. Roadside assistance may be an option. However, it typically only covers the cost for locking the keys to your vehicle, and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll need go to a dealership to have a replacement key created. This involves pairing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, and you'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars, and could take longer than using a local locksmith.
Certain homeowner's insurance policies include coverage for garage door openers and keys, but only a few insurance companies offer this type of coverage. If you have this type of coverage, it's worthwhile contacting your provider and comparing prices to find the best deal. It is essential to inform your insurance company you have lost the keys so that they can verify their records. They will then notify you if the car is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys or losing them was not a huge issue. Locksmiths could cut a new key on the spot. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
It is recommended to first make a police report. This will assist in tracking the culprit and help you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll need to provide basic information, like the make and model of your vehicle as well as your address and name. You may be required to show proof of ownership, such as a V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry around when you leave the house. It is possible to ask around for anyone who has seen your spare, like your roommates or family members. Also, you should check out public spaces, like libraries and restaurants. You may find your keys in these places, which are a repository of keys that people have discovered and returned.
You may also want to consult a professional auto locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They can usually reprogram keys without the original and can even disable the original key so that nobody else is able to use it to steal your car. They may need to remove part of the ignition system to do this, but it will be worth it if your car was taken.
There's no way to predict when your car keys might be lost, but it's better to prepare for the worst. Follow these tips to minimize your chance of becoming a victim of crime. Also, keep a spare car key in your car at all times. You never know when it could save your life! Emma is blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog contributed to this article.