15 Ideas For Gifts For Those Who Are The Key Car Lost Lover In Your Life
How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to your car was a common thing to do. Today, things can be much more costly and complicated.
It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can regardless of whether it's a vintage key or a modern key fob. Here's how. It can stop anyone from using your keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract your steps
If you lose something that is important such as your keys, it can be quite stressful and can even cause panic. Fortunately, there are some ways to retrace your steps and find the item. You need to remember where you last saw the car last, so that you can start your search. Next, consider the next place you went after that.
If you own an GPS device it is possible to make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. But, this is only applicable if your car has an electronic component and does not have an ordinary key.
Try to imagine your day Close your eyes and try to remember the last time you remember seeing the keys. This can help to uncover important clues about where you lost them.
A flashlight is a great way to find your lost belongings. Use it to look around the area you think they may be in. This is especially helpful when your clothes are 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 spot things you missed.
If your coach's steps are always extended, even when the step switch is shut off, attach a small bar of magnet to the door sensor of the screen situated on the door's frame. This will notify the system that the sensor on the screen is closed and the steps will be retractable. This solution is also useful for those who want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is stored at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys, it can be a very difficult experience. You could need to go through the steps and searching for them in your office, home and many other places. Eventually, you have to accept that the keys to your car have disappeared and you'll have to seek help. You can do this through either a locksmith or dealer. Depending on your situation and the type of key you have either of these options may be more appropriate than the other.
In general, car dealerships can create replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They also have access to more details about the car than a locksmith could, such as details about how the vehicle is secured. This makes them the ideal choice for certain types of cars, especially if your keys have a transponder or other security features. However, it is important to remember that the dealership is likely to be more expensive than a locksmith.
Certain cars come with a special smart key that has a chip in it. This chip communicates directly with the computer inside the car. This can allow drivers to unlock and start the car without having a traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's best to contact the dealership to get the replacement. They'll have to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership before they can make the new key. The dealer will also have to pair the new chip with the car's system, which can take a couple of days.
It's a good idea keep an extra smart-key pocket. You might be able to use it to get into your vehicle in the event that you're unable to make it to the dealership right away. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If so, they can provide you with a replacement car and may be able 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 container that was attached to your car. Nowadays, cars are more advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and are more expensive to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Based on the make and model, as well as the year of your vehicle you might need go to a dealer or a locksmith in order to make the new key.
A locksmith is usually the most affordable alternative. They can make keys replacements in a matter of minutes. Some people prefer to contact their insurance company to inquire whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a new key.
Full File do not cover keys that are stolen or lost. While some may have an add-on insurance policy that covers it however, it's not common. Roadside assistance is another option, but this usually only covers costs for if you lock your keys in your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key itself.
For electronic fobs, you'll have to head to the dealership to have a replacement key made. This involves pairing a new chip with the vehicle, which means you'll have to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration number or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars, and could take longer than hiring the local locksmith.
Certain homeowner insurance policies offer additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers, but not all insurance companies have this feature in their policy options. If you have this coverage, it is worth contacting your insurance provider and comparing rates to find the most affordable price. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's crucial to inform your insurance provider that the keys are lost so that they can verify their records and inform you in the event that the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
A few years ago losing or misplacing keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could go to a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. Now, cars are much more technologically advanced and keys can be expensive to replace.
You should first file a police report. This will help them track the perpetrator and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll need to provide some basic information, including the make and model of your car and your name and address. You may be required to show proof of ownership, like an V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes, they are kept in easy-to-access places, such as the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you use when you leave the house. It is possible to ask around for anyone who has seen your spare, for instance your roommates or family members. Also, you should check out public places, such as restaurants and libraries. These areas often collect keys that have been discovered and returned, and you might be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
You might also want to speak with a professional automotive locksmith if you can afford it. They can modify the key without the original one, and can even disable the older key so that it can't be used by someone else to steal your car. It may be necessary to remove a component of the ignition to accomplish this. But, it's worth it if you have had your car stolen.
There's no way to predict when your car keys might be lost, but it's better to prepare for the worst. Follow these steps to lower your chance of becoming a victim and make sure to keep an extra key in your pocket 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 contributed to this article.