How to Locate a Key Car Lost

Not too long ago losing (or losing) your car keys was a straightforward matter. Now, things can be more complicated and costly.

It is crucial to report a lost key immediately regardless of whether it's a vintage key or a modern key fob. Here's how. It can stop someone from using the keys to steal your vehicle.

Retract your steps

If you lose something that is important such as your keys it can be extremely anxious and even arousing. However, there are methods to trace your steps to find the item. The first thing you need to do is remember the last time you saw the key car to know where to start your search. Then consider what you did from there.

If you own an GPS device you can also make use of it to determine the location of your key fob. However, this only works in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and doesn't have a traditional key.

Close your eyes and think about the time you spent there in the present, and then try to remember the last time you were able to see the keys. This will help you identify important clues about where they are.

Another method to retrace your steps is using a flashlight to look around the area in which you suspect they could be. This is especially helpful in the event that your clothing is dark or you are parked in a shaded area. You may also ask the assistance of your friends and family members to help you find your keys. They can offer a fresh perspective that could find things you didn't.

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 signal to the system that the screen door sensor is closed, and the steps will be reduced. This solution is also useful for those who want to keep the steps retracted when your vehicle is being stored at an agent.

Call the Dealership

It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. You could spend hours retracing your steps, searching your office, house and other locations where you might have lost them. You'll have to accept that the keys to your car are missing and that you'll have to call someone for assistance. This can be done either through either a locksmith or a dealership. Depending on your situation and the kind of key you have one of these options could be more appropriate than the other.

Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to create keys that can be used to replace the brand of vehicles that they sell. They also have access to more details about the vehicle than a locksmith could provide, such as information about how the vehicle is secured. This can make them the best option for certain kinds of vehicles and vehicles, particularly if the keys have a transponder or other security features. However, it is important to remember that a dealership is likely to be more expensive than a locksmith.

Certain vehicles have a specific key called a smart key, which has an internal chip that communicates with the car's computer. This enables drivers to start and unlock their vehicle without using a traditional key. It is recommended to contact the dealership when you lose the key type. They'll require proof of your identity and provide proof of ownership before they can produce an original key. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip to the car's system, which could take a few days.

It is a good idea to have an extra smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to get into the vehicle with it in the event that you aren't able to get into the dealership right away. Another good option is to inquire with your insurance provider if this type of loss is covered by your policy. If it is it is, they'll provide you with an alternative and could be able to track the location of your vehicle. They could even send a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle and return it to you.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a huge issue. If you lost your key you might have a spare on the keychain or in a small box connected to the car. But now, cars are more advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are less likely to lose and more costly to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Based on the make and model, as well as the year of your vehicle you might need go to a dealer or a locksmith in order to make the new key.

Generally, a locksmith is the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they are able to create a replacement key for you in only a few minutes. However, some prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company to find out if they have roadside assistance that will cover the cost of purchasing an additional key.

Unfortunately, the majority of auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys to vehicles. It is rare to find an add-on policy that covers lost or stolen keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a different option, but it usually only covers costs for the event that you lock your keys inside your vehicle and doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key.

You'll have to visit the dealer to get the replacement key for electronic fobs. This process involves pairing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, so you'll need to provide evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars and may take longer than contacting a local locksmith.

Certain homeowner 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 if you have this coverage. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's important to inform your insurance provider that the keys are lost to verify their records and inform you if the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.

Contact the Police

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing your keys to your car or losing keys was not a major issue. You could simply visit a locksmith and get a new key cut right there. Today, cars are more advanced in technology and keys can be quite expensive to replace.

You should first file a police report. This will enable them to track down the thief and help you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll need to provide basic information, like the make and model of your vehicle, as well as your address and name. You may also need to provide proof that you own the vehicle, such as the V5C form with your name on it.

If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes, they are stored in accessible places like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you use when you leave the house. You can ask around to determine who has seen it, for instance your roommates or family members. You should also look in public places, such as restaurants and libraries. These areas usually collect keys that have been discovered and then returned, and you might be lucky enough to locate yours among them.

You might also want to speak with a professional automotive locksmith if you can afford it. They can usually reprogram keys without the original and can even disable the original key so that nobody else has the ability to steal your vehicle. They may need to remove part of the ignition system to accomplish this however it will be worth it if your vehicle was stolen.

It's impossible to predict the time when your car keys could be lost key car. But it's best to prepare for the worst. Follow these tips to minimize your chances of becoming a crime victim. Also keep a spare vehicle key on you at all times. You never know when it will save your life! Emma, a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog wrote this article.