Are You Getting The Most Of Your Key Car Lost?
How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys to your car was an easy task to perform. Today, things can be much more expensive and complicated.
If it's a traditional key or a more advanced car key fob, it's crucial to notify the lost item as quickly as possible. Here's how. It will help prevent anyone from using your keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract Your Steps
When you lose something important such as your keys it can be extremely stressful and can even cause panic. However, there are methods to trace your steps and find the object. It is important to remember where you saw the car last so that you can start your search. Next, consider where you went after that.
You can also track your key fob with the GPS device. This only works if you are using an electronic key and not a traditional one.
Close your eyes and visualize the day you had, and then try to remember the last time you were able to see the keys. This can help stir up important clues about where you lost them.
Another method to retrace your steps is using a flashlight to look around the area in which you think they might be. This is especially helpful if your clothing is dark or you're parking in an area with shade. You can also seek the help of friends and family members to help locate your keys. They will be able to provide a fresh set of eyes and might be able to discover things you not noticed.
If you're having issues with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is OFF) take a small bar magnet and connect it to the sensor for the screen door on the door frame. This will signal to the system that the door sensor is closed and the steps will be retractable. This method is also useful if you want the steps to stay retracted when your coach is in storage at a dealer.
Contact the Dealership
It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. It can be a long time to retrace your steps and searching your office, house or other places you may have lost keys. Eventually, you have to accept that your car keys are gone and you'll need to contact assistance. This can be done through either a locksmith or a dealership. Depending on knowing it and the type of key you own either of these options might be more suitable than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to design replacement keys for the brands of vehicles that they sell. They also have access to more information about the car than a locksmith would have, including details on the way in which the vehicle is secured. They are the best option for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys have security features such as transponders. However it is crucial to keep in mind that a dealership is likely to be more expensive than a locksmith.
Some cars have a special key that is known as a smart that has a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to start and unlock their car without the use of the traditional key. It's best to contact the dealership if you lose this key type. They'll need to verify your identity and have proof of ownership before they can produce an original key. The dealer must also pair the new chip with the car's computer. This can take several days.
A good idea is to keep a spare smart key in your pocket because you may be able to access the car using it when you're unable to go to the dealership immediately. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this type of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is it is, they'll offer you a replacement and may even be able track the location of your car. They can send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your keys to your car was not a major problem until recently. If you lost your key you might have an extra on the keychain or in a small box that was attached to your car. However, today's automobiles are more advanced and they require more sophisticated keys that are less likely to lose and much more costly to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Based on the make, model and year of your car you might need to visit a dealership or a locksmith to create a new key.
Generally locksmiths are the most affordable option for most people, and they are able to create a replacement key for you in only a few minutes. Some people decide to call their insurance company to see if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a new key.
Most standard auto insurance policies don't cover lost or stolen keys. It's rare to find an additional policy that covers lost or stolen car keys. Roadside assistance is another option, but this usually only covers costs for if you lock your keys inside your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll have to head to the dealership to have a new key made. This involves connecting a chip to the vehicle, and you'll require proof of ownership, such as your registration or title. This is an added expense that could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with an experienced locksmith in your area.
Certain homeowner's insurance policies cover garage door openers and keys, but few car insurance companies offer this option. If you have this type of coverage, it's worth checking with your provider and comparing rates to find the best deal. It is important to inform your insurance company that you've lost your keys so that they can verify their records. They will inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car or loosing keys was not a major problem. You could go to a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. Today, cars are more technologically advanced, and keys can be costly to replace.
You should first make a police report. This will help them track the perpetrator and aid you to prove that your keys were stolen. You will be required to provide basic details like your car's model and model, your name and your address. You may need to show proof of ownership, for example the V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes, they are kept in places that are easy to access, such as the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry to leave the house. It is possible to ask about anyone who has seen your spare, like your roommates or family members. You should also look in public places, such as libraries and restaurants. You might find your key in these places, as they are a repository of keys that people have found and returned.
You may also want to speak with a professional automotive locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They are able to reprogram a key without the original and can even disable the old key so that nobody else has the ability to steal your car. They may need to remove part of the ignition system in order to accomplish this, but it will be worth it if the car was stolen.
There's no way to know when your car keys might be lost, but it's always best to plan for the worst. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of becoming a victim and be sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it will save your life! Emma is a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog wrote this article.
