How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was a simple task to perform. Today, the process can be much more expensive and complicated.
Whether it's a traditional key or a more advanced car key fob, it's essential to notify the lost item as quickly as possible. Here's how. It will help prevent someone from using the keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract your steps
It can be stressful and even cause panic if you lose things that are important, like keys. There are several options to find the item and retrace your footsteps. The first thing to do is remember where you last visited the key car and where to start your search. Next, consider the next place you went after that.
You can also track your key fob using the GPS device. This only works if have an electronic key, and not a traditional one.
Close your eyes and think about the day you spent trying to remember the last time you saw the keys. This can help bring up clues to the location where they went missing.
A flashlight is a great method of locating lost items. Make use of it to search the area you suspect they may be located in. This is especially helpful when your clothes are dark or you're parked in a shaded location. You can also ask your friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can offer a fresh set of eyes that may be able to spot things you missed.
If you're having trouble with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is turned off), get a small bar magnet and connect it to the sensor for the screen door 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 for those who want the steps to remain in place when your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be frustrating to lose your keys. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching your house, office and other locations where you might have lost them. At some point, you'll have to accept that your car keys are gone and you'll need to seek help. You can do this through a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and the type of key, one of these choices may be superior to the other.
In general, car dealerships can create replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They have more information about the vehicle than locksmiths, including details about the security features of the vehicle. This makes them the best option for certain kinds of vehicles and vehicles, particularly if the keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. However it is crucial to keep in mind that a dealership is likely to be more expensive than a locksmith.
Certain cars come with a special smart key with an embedded chip. The chip is directly connected with the computer of the car. This can allow drivers to open and start the car without a traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's best to contact the dealership to get an alternative. Before they can make a new key, they'll need proof of ownership as well as your identity to confirm. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's computer. This can take several days.
lost car keys replacement is a good idea to keep an extra smart key in your purse, because you may be able to access the car with it even if you can't get into the dealership immediately. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If so, they'll be able to offer you a replacement and may even be able track the location of your vehicle. They can send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a major issue. If you lost your key, you could have a spare on the keychain or in a small container connected to the car. However, today's automobiles are more advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and are more costly to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Depending on the make, model and year of your vehicle you might need go to a dealership or a locksmith to make an entirely new key.
Generally locksmiths are the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they can make a new key for you within a few minutes. However, some people prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company and see whether they offer roadside assistance that covers the cost of purchasing the new key.
Unfortunately, the majority of standard auto insurance policies don't cover stolen or lost keys to vehicles. It's not common to find an add-on policy that covers stolen or lost keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a different option, but this usually only covers costs for when you lock your keys inside your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
You'll need to visit the dealer to purchase an electronic replacement key fobs. This involves pairing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, so you'll need to show evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars, and could take longer than contacting an authorized locksmith in your area.
Certain homeowner insurance policies offer additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers, but not many car insurance companies include this option in their policies. It's worthwhile to compare rates with your insurer for this coverage. It's important to inform your insurance company you have lost the keys so they can check their records. They will then inform you if your vehicle is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't long ago that losing your keys to your car or losing them was not a huge issue. You could go to locksmiths and get a new key cut on the spot. The technology in cars has advanced to the point that keys can be costly to replace.
The first thing you should do is to make a report to the police. This will assist them in tracking the perpetrator and help you to prove that your keys were stolen. You will need to provide basic information such as your car's make and model as well as your name and address. You may need to show proof of ownership, such as the V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes, they are stored in accessible places, such as the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you carry when you leave the house. It is possible to ask to see if anyone has seen your spare, like your roommates or family members. Also, you should check out public places, such as restaurants and libraries. You may find your key in these places, as they are a repository of keys that people have found and returned.
If you can afford it you may also try contacting an expert in automotive locks. They can change the key's programming without the original one, and can even disable the older key so that it can't be used by someone else to steal your car. It might be necessary to remove a component of the ignition to accomplish this. However, it's worth it if had your car stolen.
There's no way to predict when your car keys might be lost, but it's better to prepare for the worst. Follow these guidelines to reduce the chance of becoming a crime victim. Also, keep a spare car key on you at all times. You never know when a spare key could save your life. Emma, blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog wrote this article.