How to Locate lost car keys wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to your car was an easy thing to do. Today, things can become more complicated and costly.
It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can, whether it's an older key or a newer fob. Here's how. This will stop anyone from taking your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and cause panic when you lose things that are important, like keys. There are several options to find the item and follow your footsteps. The first thing to remember is the last time you saw the key car, so you know where to begin your search. Then think about the next steps you took from there.
If you own an GPS device, you can also make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. But, this is only applicable when your car is equipped with an electronic component and does not have an ordinary key.
Close your eyes and visualize the day you spent trying to remember the last time you were able to see the keys. This will help you discover important clues to where they are.
A flashlight is an excellent method to locate your lost belongings. Use it to look for the area you think they could be in. This is especially helpful if you have dark clothing or are parking in a shaded spot. You may also ask the help of your friends and family members to help you find your keys. They can give you a fresh perspective that could be able to spot things you missed.
If your coach's steps are always extended even when the step switch is switched off, connect a small bar of magnet to the sensor for the screen door located on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is shut and the steps will remain in a retracted position. This solution also works well when you want the steps to stay retracted when your coach is storage at an agent.
Call the Dealership
If you've lost your keys, it's a stressful experience. You could spend hours retracing your steps and searching for them in your office, house and other locations where you may have left keys. Eventually, you have to accept the fact that the keys to your car have disappeared and that you'll need to call for assistance. You can do this through either a locksmith or dealer. Depending on the circumstance and type of key one of these two choices may be superior to the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to create replacement keys for the brands of vehicles they sell. They have more information about the vehicle than a locksmith, including details about the vehicle's security. They are the best option for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys come with security features, such as a transponder. However it is crucial to keep in mind that a dealership will likely be more expensive than locksmiths.
Certain cars have a special smart key that contains a chip in it. The chip is directly connected with the computer in the car. This enables drivers to start and unlock their vehicle without using the traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, it's recommended to call the dealership to request an alternative. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and your identity to confirm. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip to the car's system, which could take a few days.
It's a good idea keep a spare smart-key in your pocket. You may be able to use it to get into your vehicle even when you're not able to make it to the dealership right away. Another good option is to ask your insurance company if this type of loss is covered by your policy. If so, they can provide you with a replacement vehicle and trace the location of it. They can dispatch a tow truck in to recover your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Losing your car keys was not a huge issue until recently. If you lost your key you might have an extra key on your keychain or in a small container connected to the car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more advanced now and require more complex keys that are more difficult to lose and more costly to replace. Depending on the make, model and year of your car you may need to visit a dealership or a locksmith to create the new key.
A locksmith is usually the most affordable alternative. They can make a replacement key in just a few minutes. However, some people prefer to contact their car insurance provider to see whether they have roadside assistance that can cover the cost of getting the new key.
Unfortunately, most standard auto insurance policies don't cover stolen or lost keys to cars. Although some policies may include add-on coverage that does but it's rare. Roadside assistance is a different option, but it usually only covers the cost when you lock your keys in your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
You'll need to go to the dealer to get a replacement key for electronic fobs. This process involves affixing a new chip with the vehicle, and you'll need to show proof of ownership, like your registration number or title. This is a cost that could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and could take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Some homeowners' insurance policies include coverage for garage door openers as well as dwelling keys, however, few car insurance companies offer this type of coverage. It's worth comparing rates with your insurer in case you have this coverage. It's important to inform your insurance company you've lost your keys to ensure they are in their records. They will inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
A few years ago the loss or misplacement of keys to your car wasn't an issue. Locksmiths could cut a new car key right on the spot. Now, cars are much more advanced in technology and keys can be expensive to replace.
The first thing you should do is to file a report with the police. This will allow them to find the person responsible, and it will also make it easier for your to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll need to provide basic information such as your car's make and model along with your name and address. You may also need to prove that you own the vehicle like the V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare, if you already have one. Sometimes, they are kept in places accessible to the public like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse used when you leave home. You may want to inquire around for anyone who has seen your spare, like your roommates or family members. Also, make sure to check public places like libraries and restaurants. These places often have keys that have been discovered and turned in and returned, and you may be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
You may also want to consult a professional auto locksmith if you can afford it. They will usually reprogram a key without the original and can even disable the original key so that no one else can use it to steal your car. It may be necessary to dismantle a part of the ignition to do this. But, it's worth it if had your vehicle stolen.
There's no way to know the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's best to plan for the worst. Follow these steps to lower your chance of becoming a victim and make sure to keep an extra key on hand at all times. You never know when a spare key could save your life. This article was contributed by Emma who is a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.