How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't so long ago that losing keys to your car was an easy task to perform. Today, things can become more complicated and costly.
Whether it's a traditional key or an advanced car key fob, it's important to notify the loss as quickly as you can. Here's how. This will stop anyone from taking your car keys.
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 trace your steps and find the object. The first thing to remember is the last time you visited the key car and where to begin your search. Then consider where you went from there.
If you own a GPS device you can also make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. However, this only works if your car has an electronic component and does not have a traditional key.
Close your eyes and imagine the time you spent there trying to recall the last time that you were able to see the keys. This will help you find important clues as to where they are.
A flashlight is a great way to find your lost items. Make use of it to look for the area you think they could be in. This is especially helpful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are in a shaded spot. You can also ask your friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can provide a new set of eyes that may spot things you missed.
If you're having difficulty getting your coach steps to stay extended (even when the step switch is turned off), get a small bar magnet and attach it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will tell the system that the door is shut and will keep the steps in a retracted position. This solution also works well when you would like the steps to remain at a retracted position while your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it's a frustrating experience. You could spend hours retracing your steps, searching your office, home, and other places where you might have left them. At some point, you'll have to accept the fact that the keys to your car have disappeared and that you'll need to call for help. You can do this through a dealer or a locksmith. Based on the circumstances and type of key one of these choices may be superior to the other.
Generally speaking dealerships for cars are equipped to create replacement keys for the brands of vehicles they sell. They also have access to more information 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 include a transponder or other security features. It is essential to keep in mind that a dealership is more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Certain cars come with a unique key, referred to as a smart key with an internal chip that communicates with the car's computer. This enables drivers to start and unlock their vehicle without the use of a traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, it's recommended to contact the dealer to get a replacement. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and identity to confirm. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip to the car's system, which can take a few days.
A good idea is to have a spare smart key in your pocket because you may be able to enter the car with it even in the event that you aren't able to get into the dealership right away. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If it is, they will provide you with a new vehicle and locate the vehicle. They could even dispatch a tow truck to take the vehicle away and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. If you lost your keys there was an extra on the keychain or in a small box that was attached to your car. However, today's cars are more technologically advanced and they require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and more expensive to replace, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You may have to go to a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, model and model of your car.
Generally locksmiths are the most affordable option for most people, and they are able to make a new key for you within a few minutes. However, some prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company and see if they have roadside assistance that will cover the cost of getting the new key.
Unfortunately, most standard auto insurance policies don't provide coverage for stolen or lost car keys. While some may have additional coverage however, it's not common. Roadside assistance can be another option. However, it generally only covers the cost for locking the keys to your vehicle. It does not cover the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll have go to a dealership to have a new key created. This process involves pairing a new chip with the vehicle, and you'll need to show evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This is an additional cost which could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a local locksmith.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional protection for keys to your home and garage door openers, but not all insurance companies offer this feature in their policies. If you have this coverage, it is worthwhile contacting your provider and comparing rates to find the best price. It is essential to inform your insurance company you've lost the keys so that they can verify their records. They will then notify you if the car is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that losing your keys to your car or losing them was not a huge problem. You could just 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 must do is submit a police report to the police. This will allow them to track down the thief, and it will also make it easier for your to prove that your keys were taken. You will need to provide basic information like your car's make and model, your name and your address. i ve lost my car keys what can i do may need to provide proof of ownership, for example a V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes these are stored in places that are easy to access like the back pocket of your jacket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You can ask around to determine if anyone has seen it, like your roommates or family members. Also, you should look into public areas such as libraries and restaurants. These areas often collect keys that have been found and turned in and returned, and you may be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
If you are able to afford it you may also try contacting a specialist automotive lock. They will usually reprogram a key without the original key and even disable the original key so that nobody else has the ability to steal your car. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system to do this but it's worth it if your car has been taken.
It's difficult to know the time when your car keys could be lost. However, it's important to be prepared for the worst. Follow these tips to minimize your chance of becoming a victim. Also, keep a spare car key with you at all times. You never know when a spare key could save your life. This article was written by Emma Car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.