How to Locate a Key Car Lost

It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car was an easy task to perform. Now, things can be much more complicated and costly.

If it's a traditional key or a more advanced car key fob, it's essential to notify the loss as quickly as you can. Here's how. It will help prevent thieves from using keys to steal your car.

Retract Your Steps

If you lose something that is important, like your keys it can be extremely stressful and even panic-inducing. There are several ways to find the item and retrace your steps. You need to remember where you saw the car last so that you can start your search. Then, think about where you went from there.

You can also track your key fob using a GPS device. However, this only works in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and doesn't have an ordinary key.

Try to visualize your day close your eyes and try to remember the last time you recalled seeing the keys. This can help you find important clues as to where they are.

Another method to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight and scour the area where you suspect they could be. This is particularly helpful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are parked in a shaded area. You can also ask your friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They will be able to give you a fresh set of eyes and might be able to see things you have missed.

If you're having trouble with your coach steps staying extended (even when the step switch is OFF), get a small bar magnet and attach it to the sensor for the screen door on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is shut and will keep the steps retracting. This is also a good option if you would like the steps to remain at a retracted position while your coach is in storage at an agent.

Call the Dealership

It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You could spend hours retracing your steps, searching your house, office or other places you might have left them. It is likely that the keys to your car are missing, and you will need to call someone to assist you. This can be done either through an auto dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and the type of key you have one of these options might be more appropriate than the other.

In general, car dealerships are able to create replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They have more information about the car than a locksmith with regards to the security of the vehicle. This makes them the best option for certain kinds of cars and vehicles, particularly if the keys include a transponder or other security features. It is essential to remember that a dealership can be more expensive than an independent locksmith.

Certain cars have a special smart key that has a chip in it. The chip is directly connected with the computer of the car. This allows drivers to unlock and start their car without the use of traditional keys. If you lose this type of key, it's recommended to contact the dealer to request an alternative. They'll need to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership before they can produce a new key. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's computer. This can take several days.

It's a good idea keep an extra smart-key in your pocket. You might be able to utilize it to access your vehicle even when you're not able to get to the dealership in time. Another option is to ask your insurance company if this kind of loss is covered under your policy. If so, they can provide you with a new car and may be able locate the vehicle. They can send a tow-truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a major issue. You may have had a spare attached to your car in a small box or kept it on your keychain and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you simply went out and bought a new. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and are more costly to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Based on the make and model of your vehicle you might need to visit a dealership or a locksmith to make a new key.

In general, a locksmith is the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they can create a replacement key for you in just a few minutes. However, some people prefer to contact their vehicle insurance provider to see whether they offer roadside assistance that can cover the cost of purchasing the new key.

Most auto insurance policies don't cover keys stolen or lost key for car. It's not common to find an add-on policy that covers stolen or lost car keys replacement cost car keys. Roadside assistance can be another option. However, it typically only covers the costs when you lock the keys in your vehicle and does not include 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 pairing a new chip with the vehicle, so you'll need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration number or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than contacting the local locksmith.

Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers, however, not all car insurance companies include this option in their policy options. It is worth comparing rates with your insurer in case you have this coverage. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's crucial to inform your insurance provider that the keys have been lost, so that they can verify their records and inform you in case the vehicle is ever reported stolen.

Contact the Police

It wasn't long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or losing them was not a big issue. You could just go to locksmiths and get a new key cut on the spot. Nowadays, cars are more advanced in technology and keys can be costly to replace.

The first thing you should do is make a report to the police. This will allow them to locate the culprit and help you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll have to provide basic information, like the model and make of your car and your name and address. You may also need to prove that you own the vehicle, such as the V5C form with your name on it.

Find a spare, if you already have one. Sometimes, they are kept in accessible places like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry around when you leave home. You might ask around to find if anyone has seen it, for instance roommates or family. Also, you should check out public places, such as libraries and restaurants. You may find your keys in these places, as they are a repository of keys that people have discovered and returned.

You may also want to speak with a professional automotive locksmith if you can afford it. They are able to reprogram keys without the original and can even disable the old one so that no-one else has the ability to steal your vehicle. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system in order to do this but it's worth it if your vehicle was stolen.

There's no way to know when your car keys might be lost car keys with no spare, but it's always recommended to prepare for the worst. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of being a victim. Also, ensure you have an extra key on hand at all times. You never know when it will save your life! Emma is blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog wrote this article.