How to Locate a Key Car Lost
In the past, finding (or losing) keys to your car was a simple affair. Today, the process can be quite costly and complex.
It is crucial to report lost keys immediately, whether it's an older key or a newer fob. Here's how. It will stop thieves from using keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract your Steps
It can be stressful and even cause panic if you lose something important like your keys. However, there are ways to retrace your steps and find the object. The first thing to remember is where you last seen the car that was key to know where to begin your search. Next, consider where you went following that.
You can also track your key fob by using a GPS device. This only works if you have an electronic key and not a traditional key.
Try to imagine your day, close your eyes and try to recall the last time you recall seeing the keys. This will help you find important clues as to where they are.
Another method to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight to search the area you believe they may be. This is particularly useful in the event that your clothing is dark or you are parked in a shaded area. You can also ask friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can provide a new pair of eyes to find things you didn't.
If you're having trouble with your coach steps staying extended (even when the step switch is off), get a small bar magnet and connect it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will tell the system that the door is shut and keep the steps retracting. This method is also useful when you want the steps to remain at a retracted position when your coach is in storage at an agent.
Call replacing lost keys to a car
If you've lost your keys it's a difficult experience. You could spend hours retracing your steps, searching 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 you will need to call someone for help. This can be done either through an auto dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the circumstance and type of key one of these choices may be superior to the other.
Generally speaking, car dealerships are equipped to design replacement keys for the brand of vehicles they sell. They have more information on the vehicle than locksmiths and can provide more details regarding the security features of the vehicle. They are the best choice for certain vehicles, especially when your keys come with security features such as a transponder. It is important to remember that a dealership will be more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Some cars have a special key, referred to as a smart key with an internal chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to open and start the car without having a traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, you'll need to contact the dealer for a replacement. Before they can make a new key, they'll need proof of ownership as well as your identity to verify. The dealer will also need to connect the new chip with the car's computer. This can take a couple of days.
It's a good idea keep a spare smart-key in your pocket. You might be able to utilize it to access your vehicle if you are unable to make it to the dealership right away. Another good option is to inquire with your insurance provider if this type of loss is covered under your policy. If they are, they can offer you a brand new vehicle and could be able to locate the vehicle. They could even dispatch a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. You may have kept a spare connected to your car in a little box or on your keychain and when you lost the one you always had, you simply bought another. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more advanced today and require more sophisticated keys, which are harder to lose and more expensive to replace. You may need to visit a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Generally locksmiths are the cheaper option for most people, and they are able to create a replacement key for you in just a few minutes. Some people prefer to contact their insurance company to inquire whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a new key.
Most automobile insurance policies do not cover keys that are stolen or lost. It's rare to find an additional policy that covers stolen or lost keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a second option, but this usually only covers the cost when you lock your keys inside your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
You'll have to visit the dealer to purchase an electronic replacement key fobs. This process involves pairing the new chip with your vehicle, so you'll need to show proof of ownership, such as your registration number or title. This is an added expense that could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Certain homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, but only a few insurance companies provide this coverage. If you do have this coverage, it is worth checking with your provider and comparing prices to find the most affordable price. It's important to inform your insurance company that you've lost the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing them was not a big problem. You could go to an locksmith and have a new key cut right there. The technology used in automobiles has advanced to the point where keys can be costly to replace.
The first thing you need to do is to file a report with the police. This will assist them in tracking the perpetrator and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll be required to provide basic details like your car's make and model as well as your name and address. You may also be required to prove that you own the vehicle for example, the V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes these are stored in places accessible to the public like the back pocket of your jacket or the purse used when you leave home. You might ask around to find whether anyone has seen it, for instance your roommates or family members. You should also look in public places like restaurants and libraries. These areas usually collect keys that have been discovered and returned and you could be lucky enough to find yours among them.
If you can afford it, you might also contact an expert automotive lock. They will usually reprogram a key without the original and can even disable the old one so that no-one else can use it to steal your car. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system to accomplish this however it will be worth it if your car has been taken.
There's no way of knowing the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's always best to plan for the worst. Use these tips to lower the chance of becoming a crime victim. Also, keep a spare car key on you at all times. You never know when it might save your life! This article was contributed by Emma Car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.