How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't so long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was a simple thing to do. Nowadays, things are much more costly and complicated.
It's crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can regardless of whether it's an older key or a more modern fob. Here's how. It can stop someone from using the keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract your steps
When you lose something important such as your keys or your wallet, it can be very anxious and even arousing. There are a few ways to locate the item and trace your steps. You must remember where you saw the car in the last time so that you can start your search. Then think about the next steps you took from there.
If you own an GPS device it is possible to make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. This only works if are using an electronic key and not a traditional one.
Close your eyes and imagine the time you spent there, and then try to remember the last time you were able to see the keys. This can help uncover important clues about where you lost them.
Another great way to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight and look around the area in which you suspect they could be. This is particularly helpful when your clothes are dark or you're parking in a shaded area. You can also ask friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can give you a fresh set of eyes and may be able to see things you've missed.
If you're having difficulty with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is OFF), get 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 door is shut and the steps will remain retracted. This is also a good option when you want the steps to stay in place while your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching for them in your office, home, and other places where you may have lost them. You'll have to accept that the keys to your car are missing and that you will need to call someone to assist you. You can do this through either a locksmith or dealer. Based on the circumstances and type of key one of these two options might be better than the other.
In general, dealerships have the ability to make replacement keys for the cars they sell. They also have access to more details about the car than a locksmith might provide, such as information about the way in which the vehicle is secured. They are the best option for certain cars, especially those keys that have security features, such as transponders. It is essential to keep in mind that a dealership can be more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Certain cars come with a unique key, referred to as a smart key that has a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to open and start the car without using a traditional key. It is best to call the dealership in the event that you lose this key type. Before they can create a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and your identity to confirm. The dealer must also pair the new chip with the car's computer. This can take several days.
A good idea is to keep a spare smart key in your pocket, since you may be able to enter the vehicle with it if you can't get into the dealership immediately. Contact your insurance company to find out if this type of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is it is, they'll provide you with an alternate and might be able to determine the location of your vehicle. They can 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 major issue until recently. If you lost your key, you could have a spare on the keychain or in a small container that was attached to your car. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more costly to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You might need to go to a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your car.
A locksmith is usually the most affordable option. They can create a replacement key in a matter of minutes. Some people, however, prefer to contact their vehicle insurance provider to see whether they offer roadside assistance that will cover the cost of purchasing an additional key.
Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for stolen or lost keys to vehicles. It's rare to find an additional policy that covers stolen or lost car key s. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it usually only covers the cost if you lock the keys inside your vehicle. It does not include the cost to replace the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to get a replacement key created. This requires pairing a chip with your car, so you'll need to provide proof ownership like your registration or title. This is a cost which could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Certain homeowner insurance policies offer additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers, but not all insurance companies include this option in their policies. If you have this coverage, it is worthwhile contacting your provider and comparing rates to find the best deal. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's important that you inform your insurer that the keys are lost, so that they can review their records and notify you in case the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys to your car or loosing them was not a big issue. You could go to an locksmith and have a new key cut right there. Today, cars are more technologically advanced, and keys can be costly to replace.
The first thing you must do is make a report to the police. This will enable them to locate the culprit and will aid you to prove that you keys were taken. You'll have to provide basic information, such as the make and model of your vehicle as well as your name and address. You may be required to show proof of ownership, like the V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes, they are kept in places that are easy to access, such as a jacket's back pocket or in the purse you use when you leave home. You can ask around to determine who has seen it, such as your roommates or relatives. You should also check in public places like libraries and restaurants. These areas usually collect keys that have been discovered and returned, and you might be lucky enough to find yours among them.
If you are able to afford it, you might also contact an expert automotive lock. They can usually reprogram keys without the original key and even disable the old one so that no-one else has the ability to steal your vehicle. They may need to remove part of the ignition system to do this but it's worth it if the car was stolen.
It's difficult to know when your car keys may be lost. However, it's important to be prepared for the worst. Follow these steps to lower the chance of being a victim. Also be sure to keep an extra key on hand at all times. You never know when a spare key might save your life. This article was contributed by Emma who is a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.