How to Locate a Key Car Lost
In the past, losing (or losing) your car keys was a common occurrence. Nowadays, things are much more costly and complicated.
It is crucial to report lost keys immediately regardless of whether it's an older key or a more modern fob. Here's how. It will stop anyone from using your keys to steal your car.
Retract your steps
It can be stressful and even create panic if you misplace an item of importance, such as keys. Fortunately, there are some methods to trace your steps to find the object. The first thing to remember is where you last saw the key car, so you know where to begin your search. Then, think about the next steps you took from there.
You can also track your key fob with the GPS device. However, this only works in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and doesn't have a traditional key.
Try to visualize your day, close your eyes and try to recall the last time you remember seeing the keys. This can help to uncover important clues about where you lost them.
Another method to retrace your steps is using a flashlight to search the area you think they might be. This is especially useful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are parked in a shaded spot. You can also enlist the help of friends and family members to help you find your keys. They will be able to give you a fresh pair of eyes and might be able to see things you have not noticed.
If you're having difficulty with your coach steps staying extended (even when the step switch is OFF) take a small bar magnet and connect it to the sensor for the screen door on the door frame. This will tell the system that the door is closed and will keep the steps in a retracted position. This solution also works well when you want the steps to remain retracted when your coach is storage at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. You could spend hours retracing your steps and searching for them in your office, house and other locations where you might have left keys. Eventually, you have to accept the fact that the keys to your car are gone and that you'll need to call for help. This can be done through an auto dealer or a locksmith. Depending on your situation and the type of key you have, one of these options may be better than the other.
Generally speaking, car dealerships are equipped to make keys that can be used to replace the brand of vehicles they sell. They have more information about the vehicle than a locksmith and can provide more details regarding the security of the vehicle. This makes them the ideal choice for certain kinds of vehicles particularly if your keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. However, it is important to keep in mind that a dealership is likely to be more expensive than a locksmith.
Some cars come with an electronic smart key with an embedded chip. This chip communicates directly with the computer of the car. This allows drivers to unlock and start their car without the use of traditional keys. It is recommended to contact the dealer in the event that you lose this key type. Before they can create a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and your identity to verify. The dealer will also have to pair the new chip with the car's computer. This can take a couple of days.
A good idea is to have an extra smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to enter the vehicle with it when you're unable to go to the dealership immediately. Contact your insurance company to find out if this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If it is, they'll be able to offer you an alternate and might be able to determine the location of your vehicle. They can even dispatch a tow truck to take the vehicle away and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Losing your keys to your car was not a big issue until recently. You might have kept a spare key attached to your car in a little box or on your keychain and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you simply went out and bought a new. But now, G28 are more advanced and they require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and much more costly to replace, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You may have to visit a dealer or a locksmith based on the year, model and model of your car.
A locksmith will usually be the cheaper option. They can make keys replacements in just a few minutes. Some people decide to call their insurance company to see if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a new key.
The majority of standard auto insurance policies don't cover keys stolen or lost. It's not common to find an add-on policy that covers lost or stolen keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a second option, but it usually only covers costs the event that you lock your keys inside your car and doesn't include the cost of replacing the key itself.
You'll need to visit the dealer to get an electronic replacement key fobs. This process involves pairing a new chip with the vehicle, and you'll need to provide proof of ownership, like your vehicle's registration or title. This is a cost that could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and could take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Certain homeowner insurance policies offer additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers however, not all car insurance companies include this option in their policies. It's worth comparing rates with your insurer for this coverage. It is important to inform your insurance company you have lost the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will notify you if the car is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
In the past, misplacing or losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could go to locksmiths and get a new key cut on the spot. Today, cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be expensive to replace.
It is recommended to first make a police report. This will help them track the perpetrator and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll need to provide basic information, including the model and make of your vehicle, as well as your name and address. You may also need to provide proof of ownership, for example a V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access, such as the back pocket of your jacket or in the purse you use when you leave home. It is possible to ask about anyone who has seen your spare, such as your roommates or family members. Also, you should look into public areas like restaurants and libraries. You may find your key in these places, which keep keys that have been found and returned.
If you have the money you may also try contacting an expert automotive lock. They can usually reprogram keys without the original one and 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 in order to accomplish this however it will be worth it if the car has been taken.
There's no way of knowing the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's always recommended to prepare for the worst. Follow these steps to lower your chance of being a victim. Also, make sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when a spare key might save your life. Emma is blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog contributed to this article.