7 Things About Key Car Lost You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys to your car was a simple task to perform. Today, things can be much more expensive and complicated.
Whether it's a traditional key or a more advanced car key fob, it's essential to report the loss as soon as possible. Here's how. It can stop anyone from using your keys to steal your car.
Retract your steps
It can be stressful and cause panic when you lose an item of importance, such as keys. Fortunately, there are some ways to retrace your steps and find the object. The first thing you need to do is remember the last time you seen the car that was key and where to start your search. Next, consider where you went after that.
You can also track your key fob using an 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 imagine your day, close your eyes and try to remember the last time you recall seeing the keys. This could help stir up important clues about the location where they went missing.
A flashlight is an excellent way to find your lost possessions. Use it to search the area you think they may be located in. This is particularly helpful when your clothes are dark or you are parked in a shaded location. You may also ask the help of friends and family members to help find your keys. They can provide a new pair of eyes to spot things you missed.
If you're having issues with your coach steps staying extended (even when the step switch is off), get 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 screen door sensor is closed, and the steps will be reduced. This solution is also useful in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is being stored at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys, it can be a very stressful experience. It can be a long time to retrace your steps, searching your office, home and other locations where you might have left them. At some point, you'll have to accept that the keys to your car have disappeared and you'll have to contact assistance. This can be done either through an auto dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and type of key, one of these options may be better than the other.
Generally speaking, car dealerships are equipped to design keys that can be used to replace the brand of vehicles they sell. They also have access to more details about the vehicle than a locksmith would, such as details about how the car is secured. They are the best option for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys have security features, such as transponders. It is important to keep in mind that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.
Certain cars come with a unique key that is known as a smart with 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 traditional keys. If you lose this kind of key, it's best to contact the dealership for an alternative. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and identity to verify. The dealer will also need to connect the new chip to the car's system, which could take a few days.
It's a good idea to keep an extra smart-key pocket. You may be able to make use of it to enter your vehicle in the event that you're unable to make it to the dealership right away. Another good option is to ask your insurance company if this kind of loss is covered by your policy. If so, they can provide you with a new vehicle and locate the vehicle. They can dispatch a tow truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. You might have kept a spare connected to your car in a tiny box or kept it on the keychain, and in the event that you lost the key you always had, you just went out and bought a new. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that modern cars now and require more complex keys, which are harder to lose and are more costly to replace. You might need to go to a dealer or locksmith based on the year, model and model of your car.
A locksmith will usually be the cheaper option. They can make an replacement key in just a few minutes. However, some people prefer to contact their car insurance company to find out whether they have roadside assistance that can cover the cost of purchasing an additional key.
Most auto insurance policies do not cover keys stolen or lost. It's not common to find an add-on policy that covers lost or stolen keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a different option, but this usually only covers costs when you lock your keys in your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key.
For electronic fobs, you'll have to head to the dealership to have a new key created. This process involves affixing the new chip with your vehicle, so you'll need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title.
i lost my car keys what do i do is a cost that could potentially run you a few 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 however, not all car insurance companies have this feature in their policy options. It's worthwhile to compare rates with your provider if you have this coverage. It's important to inform your insurance company you've lost the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will then notify you if the car is reported stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys or losing keys was not a major problem. You could simply visit locksmiths and get a new key cut right there. The technology in cars has advanced to the point that keys can be costly to replace.
You should first start by filing a police complaint. This will assist in tracking down the thief and also help you to prove that your keys were taken. You will have to provide basic information like your car's make and model as well as your name and address. You may be required to provide proof of ownership, like the V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access, such as the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you use when you leave home. You can ask around to see if anyone has seen it, such as roommates or family. You should also look in public places like libraries and restaurants. You may find your keys in these locations, which collect keys that people have found and returned.
You may also wish to contact a specialist automotive locksmith, if you can afford it. They can usually reprogram a key without the original and can even disable the old one so that no-one else is able to use it to steal your vehicle. It might be necessary to remove a part of the ignition to do this. However, it is worth it if had your car stolen.
It's difficult to know when your car keys might be lost. However, it's better to be prepared for the most likely. Follow these tips to reduce your chances of being a victim. Also ensure you have an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it will save your life! Emma is an author and car owner at CarsBlog, contributed this article.