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How to Locate a Key Car Lost
A few years ago, finding (or losing) your car keys was a straightforward matter. Today, the process can be quite costly and complex.
It's crucial to report a lost key immediately, whether it's an older key or a more modern fob. Here's how. This will stop anyone from taking your car keys.
Retract your Steps
When you lose something important, like your keys it can be extremely stressful and can even cause panic. There are several options to find the item and retrace your footsteps. It is important to remember where you saw the car in the last time so that you can start your search. Then, think about where you went after that.
You can also track your key fob by using the GPS device. But, this is only applicable if your car has an electronic component and doesn't have an ordinary key.
Close your eyes and visualize the day you spent, and then try to remember the last time you were able to see the keys. This can help you to identify important clues about where they are.
A flashlight is a great method of locating lost belongings. Use it to look for the area you suspect they could be located in. This is especially helpful in the event that your clothing is dark or you're parked in a shaded area. You can also ask friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can provide a new perspective that could spot things you missed.
If you're having issues with your coach steps staying extended (even when the step switch is OFF) then you should purchase a small bar magnet and attach it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door sensor is closed and the steps will be reduced. This is also a good option for those who want to keep the steps retracted while your vehicle is being stored at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be frustrating to lose your keys. You may be forced to retrace your steps and searching for them in your office, home and many other places. You'll have to accept that keys to your car are missing, and you'll need to contact someone for assistance. This can be done through an auto dealer or a locksmith. Based on the circumstances and type of key, one of these two choices may be superior to 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 vehicle than locksmiths and can provide more details regarding the security features of the vehicle. They are the best option for certain vehicles, especially when your keys come with security features such as transponders. It is essential to remember that a dealership is more expensive than an independent locksmith.
Certain cars come with a unique key that is known as a smart that has an internal chip that communicates with the car's computer. This can allow drivers to unlock and start the car without having a traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, it's best to contact the dealer to get the replacement. Before they can create a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and your identity to verify. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip with the car's computer. This could take a few days.
A good idea is to have an extra smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to get into the car with it even in the event that you aren't able to get into the dealership immediately. Another option is to inquire with your insurance company if this kind of loss is covered under your policy. If so it is, they'll offer you an alternative and could be able to determine the location of your car. They can send a tow-truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of car keys was not a major issue until recently. If you lost your keys, you could have an extra on the keychain or in a small container attached to the car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that modern cars now and require more complex keys that are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace. Depending on the make and model, as well as the year of your car you may need go to a dealer or a locksmith to make the new key.
A locksmith is usually the most affordable alternative. They can create a replacement key within a matter of minutes. Some people choose to contact their insurance company to see if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a replacement key.
Unfortunately, the majority of auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys to vehicles. Although replace a lost car key may include an add-on insurance policy that covers it but it's rare. Roadside assistance can be another option. However, it generally only covers the cost when you lock the keys to your vehicle. It does not cover the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll need go to a dealership to have a replacement key made. This process involves affixing a new chip with the vehicle, so you'll need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This is a cost that could potentially run you a couple hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.
Some homeowners insurance policies offer additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers but not many car insurance companies have this feature in their policies. It's worthwhile to compare rates with your provider for this coverage. It is essential to inform your insurance company you have lost the keys so that they can verify their records. They will then inform you if your vehicle is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
In the past, misplacing or losing keys to your car wasn't a big deal. You could just go to a locksmith and get a new key cut right there. Now, cars are much more advanced in technology and keys can be expensive to replace.
It is recommended to first file a police report. This will help them track the culprit and help you to prove that your keys were stolen. You will need to provide basic information like your car's make and model as well as your name and address. You may also need to show proof of ownership, like a V5C form with your name on it.
Find a spare if you already have one. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access, such as the back pocket of a jacket or in the purse you use when you leave home. You can ask around to see who has seen it, for instance your roommates or family members. You should also look in public places like libraries and restaurants. These places often have keys that have been found and turned in and returned, and you may be lucky enough to locate yours among them.
If you have the money, you might also contact a specialist automotive lock. They can modify the key without the original key, and even disable the older 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 the car has been stolen.
There's no way to know when your car keys will be lost, but it's always better to prepare for the worst. Use these tips to lower your chance of becoming a crime victim. Also keep a spare vehicle key on you at all times. You never know when it might save your life! This article was written by Emma, a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.