Five Tools That Everyone Involved In Key Car Lost Industry Should Be Using
How to Locate a Key Car Lost
Not too long ago finding (or losing) keys to your car was a simple affair. Today, the process can be much more expensive and complicated.
It doesn't matter if it's a standard key or a more sophisticated car key fob, it's important to notify the loss as quickly as possible. Here's how. This will prevent anyone from getting your car keys.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and even create panic if you misplace an item of importance, such as keys. However, there are lost vehicle key replacement to trace your steps and find the object. The first thing you need to remember is where you last saw the key car and where to start your search. Then, think about where you went after that.
If you have a GPS device it is possible to make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. This only works if have an electronic key, and not a traditional one.
Try to visualize your day, close your eyes and try to recall the last time you recall seeing the keys. This can help you identify important clues about where they are.
Another great way to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight to look around the area in which you think they might be. This is particularly helpful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are in a shaded spot. You can also ask friends and family members to help locate your keys. They will be able to give you a fresh pair of eyes and could see things you have not noticed.
If you're having issues with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is turned off) take a small bar magnet and connect it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will tell the system that the door is closed and the steps will remain in a retracted position. This method is also helpful in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is stored at the dealer.
Call the Dealership
If you've lost your keys it's a frustrating experience. You may spend time retracing your steps and searching for them in your house, office, and other places where you might have left them. It is likely that keys to your car are missing, and you'll have to call someone to assist you. You can do this through a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and type of key one of these options might be better than the other.
In general, car dealerships can create replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They have more information about the car than a locksmith and can provide more details regarding the security of the vehicle. They are the best option for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys have security features such as transponders. It is essential to remember that a dealership can be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Certain cars come with a unique key called a smart key with an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to start and unlock their vehicle without using a traditional key. It is best to contact the dealership if you lose this key type. They'll have to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership before they are able to make an original key. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip with the car's computer. This can take a couple of days.
It is a good idea to have a spare smart key in your purse, since you may be able to access the vehicle with it when you're unable to go to the dealership immediately. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If so, they can provide you with a replacement vehicle and trace the location of it. They can send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago when you lost your car keys, it wasn't a big deal. You might have had a spare attached to your car in a tiny box or on the keychain, and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you simply bought another. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced, and they require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You may need to visit a dealer or a locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle.
In general, a locksmith is the cheaper option for most people, and they can make a replacement key for you within a few minutes. Some people decide to call their insurance company to see whether roadside assistance is covered by the cost of a replacement key.
Unfortunately, the majority of auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys to cars. While some may have an add-on insurance policy that covers it, it is rare. Roadside assistance can be another option. However, it usually only covers the cost when you lock the keys to your vehicle. It doesn't cover the cost to replace the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to have a new key made. This involves pairing a new chip with the vehicle, so you'll need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your car registration or title. This is a cost that could potentially run you a couple hundred dollars or more, and could take longer than working with an experienced locksmith in your area.
Some homeowners insurance policies offer additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers but not all insurance companies offer this feature in their policy options. It's worth comparing rates with your insurance provider for this coverage. It is important to inform your insurance company that you've lost the keys so they can check their records. They will notify you if the vehicle is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't long ago that misplacing your car keys or losing them was not a big problem. A locksmith could cut a new car key right on the spot. Today, cars are more technologically advanced and keys can be expensive to replace.
First, you should start by filing a police complaint. This will help them find the person responsible and will help you to prove that you keys were stolen. You'll have to provide basic information, such as the model and make of your vehicle as well as your address and name. You may need to show proof of ownership, such as a V5C form with your name on it.
If you have a spare, try to find it. Sometimes these are stored in places accessible to the public, such as a jacket's back pocket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You might ask around to find if anyone has seen it, for instance roommates or family. You should also check in public places like restaurants and libraries. These places often have keys that have been found and then returned and you could be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
If you have the money you may also try contacting an expert in automotive locks. They can modify the key without the original key, and even disable the old one to ensure that it can't be used by any other person to steal your car. They may need to remove part of the ignition system in order to do this however it will be worth it if your vehicle has been stolen.
It's impossible to know the time when your car keys could be lost. But it's best to be prepared for the most likely. Follow these tips to reduce your chances of being a victim. Also, be sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it will save your life! This article was contributed by Emma, a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.