11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Key Car Lost
How to Locate a Key Car Lost
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was a common task to perform. Now, things can be much more complicated and expensive.
It is crucial to report lost keys immediately, whether it's an older key or a newer fob. Here's how. It can stop someone from using the keys to steal your vehicle.
Retract Your Steps
It can be stressful and create panic if you misplace something important like your keys. There are a few ways to find the item and follow your steps. The first thing you need to remember is the last time you visited the key car, so you know where to start your search. Next, consider the next place you went after that.
If you have a GPS device it is possible to use it to track the location of your key fob. However, this only works when your car is equipped with an electronic component and does not have a traditional key.
Try to visualize your day close your eyes and try to recall the last time you recalled seeing the keys. This can help you to find important clues as to where they are.
Another way to trace your steps is to use a flashlight to scour the area where you think they might be. This is especially useful when you're wearing dark clothes or are parked in a shaded location. You can also enlist the help of your friends and family members to help find your keys. They can offer a fresh pair of eyes to find things you didn't.
If you're having trouble with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is turned off), get a small bar magnet and connect it to the door sensor of the screen on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is closed and will keep the steps retracted. This solution also works well if you want the steps to remain in place while your coach is in storage at the dealer.
Contact the Dealership
If you've lost your keys, it can be a very difficult experience. You may spend time retracing your steps, searching your office, house or other places you might have lost them. Eventually, you have to accept that the keys to your car are gone and that you'll need to contact assistance. This can be done through an auto dealer or a locksmith. Based on replacing lost car key and type of key one of these options may be better than the other.
Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to design keys that can be used to replace the brand of vehicles that they sell. They have more information about the vehicle than a locksmith with regards to the security features of the vehicle. This can make them the best option for certain kinds of vehicles, especially if your keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. However, it is important to remember that a dealership is likely to be more expensive than locksmiths.
Certain cars come with an electronic smart key with an embedded chip. This chip can communicate directly with the computer inside the car. This lets drivers start and unlock their vehicle without the need for a traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, you'll need to call the dealership to get the replacement. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and your identity to confirm. The dealer must also pair the new chip with the car's computer. This 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 car even if you are unable to make it to the dealership right away. Another good alternative is to inquire with your insurance provider if this type of loss is covered under your policy. If it is, they will provide you with a replacement car and may be able trace the location of it. They may even dispatch a tow truck to retrieve the vehicle and return it to you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of car keys was not a huge issue until recently. If you lost your keys you might have an extra on the keychain or in a small box that was attached to your car. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are easier to lose and are more expensive to replace, says Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Depending on the model and model, as well as the year of your car, you may have to visit a dealership or a locksmith to make the new key.
A locksmith will usually be the cheaper alternative. They can make keys replacements in a matter of minutes. Some people decide to contact their insurance company to see if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a replacement key.
Most standard auto insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys. It's not common to find an additional policy that covers stolen or lost car keys. Roadside assistance may be an option. However, it usually only covers the cost if you lock the keys inside your vehicle and does not include the cost of replacing the key.
You'll have to visit the dealer to get the replacement key for electronic fobs. This involves connecting a chip to the car, so you will need to provide proof ownership like your registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars, and may take longer than using the local locksmith.
Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers, but not many car insurance companies offer this feature in their policies. It is worth comparing rates with your insurance provider in case you have this coverage. It is essential to inform your insurance company that you've lost the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.
Contact the Police
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys to your car or loosing them was not a huge issue. A locksmith could cut a brand new car key right on the spot. The technology used in automobiles has advanced to the point that keys can be costly to replace.
First, you should file a police report. This will assist them in tracking the culprit and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were taken. You'll need to provide basic information, such as the make and model of your car and your name and address. You may also need to show proof of ownership, like an V5C form that has your name on it.
If you have a spare, you should try to locate it. Sometimes, they are kept in places accessible to the public, such as the back pocket of your jacket or in the purse you use when you leave home. You can ask around to see if anyone has seen it, like your roommates or family members. Also, make sure to check public places like restaurants and libraries. These areas often collect keys that have been found and then returned, and you might be lucky enough to find yours among them.
If you have the money you could also consider contacting an expert automotive lock. They can change the key's programming without the original key, and can even disable the older one so that it cannot be used by someone else to steal your vehicle. It is possible to remove a part of the ignition in order to accomplish this. However, it's worth it if you have had your vehicle stolen.
There's no way of knowing the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's always recommended to prepare for the worst. Follow these tips to minimize your chance of becoming a victim. Also, keep a spare car key with you at all times. You never know when it might save your life! Emma, an author and car owner at CarsBlog contributed to this article.