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. Today, things can be much more costly and complicated.
It is crucial to report lost keys immediately regardless of whether it's a vintage key or a more modern fob. Here's how. It will help prevent anyone from using your keys to steal your car.
Retract Your Steps
If you lose something of importance like keys, it can be quite anxious and even arousing. Fortunately, there are some ways to retrace your steps and find the item. It is important to remember where you last saw the car in the last time so that you can begin your search. Then, think about the next place you went after that.
If you have an GPS device, you can also 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.
Try to imagine your day close your eyes and try to remember the last time you remember seeing the keys. This could help bring up clues to the location where they went missing.
Another way to trace your steps is to use a flashlight and scour the area where you believe they may be. This is especially helpful when you're wearing dark clothes or are parked in a shaded area. You can also seek the help of your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can provide a fresh set of eyes and may see things you have missed.
If your coach steps are always extended even when the step switch is switched off, connect a small bar of magnet to the screen door sensor situated on the door's frame. This will signal to the system that the door sensor is closed, and the steps will be retractable. This method is also helpful for those who want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is being stored at an agent.
Contact the Dealership
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You could spend hours retracing your steps, searching your office, house or other places you may have left keys. At some point, you'll have to accept the fact that the keys to your car have disappeared and you'll need to contact help. You can do this by calling an auto dealer or locksmith. Depending on the situation and the kind of key you have, one of these options could be more appropriate than the other.
In general, car dealers are able to create replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They also have access to more details about the car than a locksmith might provide, such as information about how the vehicle is secured. This can make them the most suitable option for certain types of cars particularly if your keys have a transponder or other security features. It is important to remember that a dealership can be more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Some cars come with an electronic smart key with an embedded chip. This chip communicates directly with the computer in the car. This can allow drivers to open and start the car without using a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealership in the event that you lose this key type. They'll have to verify your identity and have proof of ownership before they can produce a new key. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's computer. This could take a few days.
A good idea is to have a spare smart key in your pocket as you might be able to enter the vehicle with it if you can't get into the dealership right away. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is covered, they'll provide you with a replacement and may even be able track the location of your car. lost keys car could send a tow-truck to retrieve your vehicle 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 keys you might have an extra on the keychain or in a small box that was attached to your car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more advanced now and require more complex keys, which are more difficult to lose and are more costly to replace. Based on the make, model and year of your vehicle you might need to visit a dealership or a locksmith in order to make an entirely new key.
In general, a locksmith is the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they are able to make a new key for you in only a few minutes. However, some prefer to call their car insurance company and see whether they offer roadside assistance that can cover the cost of purchasing a new key.
Most auto insurance policies do not cover keys stolen or lost. Although some policies may include additional coverage, it is rare. Roadside assistance may be an option. However, it usually only covers the costs when you lock the keys to your vehicle and does not include the cost to replace the key.
You'll need to visit the dealer to purchase a replacement key for electronic fobs. This requires pairing a chip with your car, so you will be required to prove ownership for example, your registration or title. This is a cost that could potentially run you a few hundred dollars or more, and may 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 include this option in their policies. It is worth comparing rates with your insurer if you have this type of coverage. It is important to inform your insurance company you have lost the keys so that they can verify their records. They will notify you if the vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
Not long ago losing or misplacing your car keys was not an issue. Locksmiths could cut a brand new car key right on the spot. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
The first thing you need to do is to submit a police report to the police. This will help them locate the culprit, and it will also aid you to prove that your keys were stolen. You will be required to provide basic details like your car's make and model along with your name and address. You may also need to prove that you own the car for example, the V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare if have one. Sometimes, these are kept in places that are easy to access like the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you carry to leave the house. You might want to ask around for anyone who has seen your spare, like your roommates or family members. You should also look in public spaces, like restaurants and libraries. You may find your keys in these locations, which are a repository of keys that people have discovered and returned.
You may also want to contact a specialist automotive locksmith, if you can afford it. They can usually reprogram a key without the original one and even disable the original one so that no-one else can use it to steal your vehicle. It may be necessary to remove a part of the ignition in order to accomplish this. However, it's worth it if been the victim of theft.
It's impossible to know the time when your car keys could be lost. But it's best to prepare for the worst. Follow these guidelines to reduce the chance of becoming a victim. Also, keep a spare car key with you at all times. You never know when it will save your life! This article was contributed by Emma Car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.