How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was a simple thing to do. Nowadays, things can get much more complicated and expensive.
If it's a traditional key or a more sophisticated car key fob, it's crucial to report the loss as soon as possible. Here's how. It will stop someone from using the keys to steal your car.
Retract your steps
If you lose something of importance such as your keys, it can be quite stressful and even panic-inducing. There are, however, ways to retrace your steps and find the item. It is important to remember where you saw the car in the last time so that you can start your search. Next, consider where you went after that.
If their explanation have an GPS device it is possible to 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.
Close your eyes and visualize the day you spent in the present, and then try to remember the last time that you saw the keys. This can help stir up important clues about where you lost them.
A flashlight is an excellent method of locating lost belongings. Use it to search the area you think they may be located in. This is especially useful when you're wearing dark clothes or are parked in a shaded area. You can also enlist the help of your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can give you a fresh pair of eyes and could be able to see things you've missed.
If your coach steps are always extended even when the step switch is switched off, connect a small magnet to the door sensor of the screen situated on the door's frame. This will notify the system that the door sensor is closed and the steps will be retractable. This solution is also useful for those who want to keep the steps retracted even when your coach is stored at the dealer.
Call the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it's a stressful experience. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching your office, house or other places you may have lost them. You'll have to accept that the keys to your car are missing and you'll need to contact someone to assist you. This can be done through a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and the kind 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 vehicles they sell. They also have access to more information about the vehicle than a locksmith might have, including details on how the vehicle is secured. This can make them the ideal choice for certain kinds of cars, especially if your keys are transponder-equipped or have 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 called a smart key, which has a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to start and unlock their car without the use of the 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 and your identity to confirm. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip with the car's computer. This can take several days.
It is a good idea to have an extra smart key in your purse, as you might be able to get into the car using it if you can't get into the dealership immediately. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is it is, they'll provide you with an alternative and could be able to track the location of your car. They can dispatch a tow truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Losing your keys to your car was not a big problem until recently. If you lost your key, you could have a spare on the keychain or in a small box attached to the car. But now, cars are more advanced and they require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and much more expensive to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You might need to visit a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, model and model of your vehicle.
In general locksmiths are the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they are able to create a replacement key for you in only a few minutes. Some people, however, prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company to find out if they have roadside assistance that will cover the cost of purchasing a new key.
The majority of standard auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys. While some may have add-on coverage that does however, it's not common. Roadside assistance may be an option. However, it generally only covers the costs when you lock the keys inside your vehicle, and does not include the cost to replace the key.
You'll have to visit the dealer to obtain a replacement key for electronic fobs. This process involves pairing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, which means you'll have to provide proof of ownership, such as your registration number or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars, and could take longer than hiring a local locksmith.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional protection for keys to your home and garage door openers, however, not all car insurance companies have this feature in their policy options. It's worthwhile to compare rates with your insurance provider in case you have this type of coverage. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's important to inform your insurance company that the keys have been lost, so that they can verify their records and inform you in case the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
A few years ago losing or misplacing keys to your car wasn't an issue. A locksmith could cut a new key right on the spot. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be quite expensive to replace.
The first thing you should do is make a report to the police. This will assist them in tracking the culprit and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were stolen. You will be required to provide basic details such as your car's make 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.
Find a spare if have one. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access, such as 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. You should also look in public places like libraries and restaurants. These places often have keys that have been found and then returned, and you might be lucky enough to find yours among them.
You may also wish to speak with a professional automotive locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They are able to reprogram a key without the original key and even disable the original key so that nobody else has the ability to steal your vehicle. They may have to dismantle part of the ignition system in order to do this but it's worth it if your car was taken.
It's difficult to know when your car keys might be lost. But it's best to prepare for the most likely. Follow these tips to minimize your chances of becoming a victim of crime. Also keep a spare vehicle key in your car at all times. You never know when it could save your life! This article was contributed by Emma, a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.