The Biggest Issue With Key Car Lost, And How You Can Fix It
How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys to your car was a common task to perform. Today, things can become more complicated and costly.
It's important to report a lost key 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 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 trace your steps and locate the object. You must remember where you saw the car last so that you can start your search. Next, consider where you went following that.
If you own a GPS device it is possible to make use of it to determine the whereabouts of your key fob. However, this only works if your car has an electronic component and doesn't have an ordinary key.
Try to visualize your day close your eyes and try to recall the last time you remember seeing the keys. This will help you discover important clues to where they are.
A flashlight is a great way to find your lost belongings. Make use of it to look around the area you suspect they may be in. This is especially helpful if your clothing is dark or you are parked in a shaded location. You can also enlist the assistance of your friends and family members to help find your keys. They can give you a fresh pair of eyes and might be able to discover things you missed.
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 screen door sensor on the door frame. This will tell the system that the door is closed and keep the steps retracted. This is also a good option if you wish to keep the steps retracted even when your coach is being stored at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You may spend time retracing your steps, searching your office, home or other places you may have lost keys. You'll need to accept that your car keys are missing, and you will need to call someone for assistance. You can do this by calling either a locksmith or dealer. Depending on the situation and the type of key you own either of these options may be better than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to make replacement keys for the brands of vehicles that they sell. They can provide more information about the car than a locksmith, including details about the security features of the vehicle. This makes them the ideal choice for certain types of cars, especially if your keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. However it is important to keep in mind that a dealership will likely be more expensive than locksmiths.
Some cars come with a special smart key that has a chip in it. The chip is directly connected with the computer in the car. This lets drivers unlock and start their car without using the traditional key. It's best to contact the dealer in the event that you lose this key type. They'll have to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership before they can make a new key. The dealer must also connect the new chip with the car's computer. This could take several days.
replacing a lost car key 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 when you're unable to go to the dealership right away. Contact your insurance company to find out if this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If it is, they will provide you with a new vehicle and could be able to track the location of it. They could send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You might have had a spare attached to your car in a small box or kept it on the keychain, and if you lost the one you always had, you simply bought another. But now, cars are more technologically advanced and they require more sophisticated keys that are less likely to lose and much more expensive to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, you may have to visit a dealership or a locksmith in order to make the new key.
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 just a few minutes. Some people choose to contact their insurance provider to see if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a replacement key.
The majority of standard automobile insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys. While some may offer an add-on insurance policy that covers it but it's rare. Roadside assistance is a different option, but it usually only covers the cost if you lock your keys in your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to have a replacement key created. This process involves pairing the new chip with your vehicle, and you'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as your car registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than hiring the local locksmith.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers, however, not all car insurance companies have this feature in their policy options. If you have this type of coverage, it's worthwhile contacting your provider and comparing prices to find the most affordable price. Whatever you decide to do, it's essential that you inform your insurer that the keys have been lost, so that they can review their records and notify you in case the vehicle is ever reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car or loosing them was not a huge problem. You could simply visit a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. The technology in cars has advanced to the point that keys can be costly to replace.
It is recommended to first start by filing a police complaint. This will help them locate the culprit and help you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll be required to provide basic details like your car's model and model along with your name and address. You may be required to show proof of ownership, such as the V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to locate it. Sometimes these are stored in places accessible to the public, such as the back pocket of your jacket or in the purse you use when you leave home. It is possible to ask to see if anyone has seen your spare, for instance your roommates or family members. Also, make sure to check public places like libraries and restaurants. You might find your key in these places, which are a repository of keys that people have found and returned.
You might also want to consult a professional auto locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They can modify the key without the original key, and even disable the old one to ensure that it can't be used by anyone else to steal your vehicle. 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 when your car keys might be lost, but it's best to plan for the worst. Use these tips to minimize your chances of being a victim. Also be sure to keep a spare key handy at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. Emma is blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog wrote this article.