How to Locate a Key Car Lost

A few years ago, finding (or losing) keys to your car was a common occurrence. Today, things can be much more costly and complicated.

It's crucial to report a lost key immediately, whether it's an older key or a newer fob. Here's how. It will stop anyone from using your 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 a few ways to find the item and trace your footsteps. The first thing you need to remember is the last time you seen the car that was key to know where to start your search. Then consider what you did from there.

If you have an GPS device it is possible to make use of it to determine the location of your key fob. This is only applicable if you have an electronic key and not a traditional key.

Close your eyes and imagine the day you spent in the present, and then try to remember the last time you saw the keys. This can help stir up important clues about the location where they went missing.

Another way to trace your steps is to use a flashlight and look around the area in which you suspect they could be. This is particularly helpful if you have dark clothing or are parked in a shaded spot. You may also ask the help of your friends and family members to help you find your keys. They will be able to provide a fresh set of eyes and may discover things you missed.

If your coach's steps are always extended, even when the step switch is turned off, attach a small bar of magnet to the screen door sensor situated on the door frame. This will notify the system that the door is shut and keep the steps retracting. This solution also works well for those who would like the steps to remain in place when your coach is storage at the dealer.

Contact the Dealership

It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. You may be forced to retrace your steps and searching for them in your home, office and many other places. It is likely that keys to your car are missing and that you will need to call someone to assist you. You can do this through an auto dealer or locksmith. Depending on the circumstance and the type of key, one of these two options might be better than the other.

Generally speaking dealerships for cars are equipped to create replacement keys for the brand of vehicles that they sell. They have more information about the car than a locksmith and can provide more details regarding the security of the vehicle. This can make them the most suitable option for certain kinds of cars particularly if your keys are transponder-equipped or have other security features. It is essential to keep in mind that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.

Certain cars come with an electronic smart key that has a chip in it. This chip can communicate directly with the computer of the car. This enables drivers to unlock and start their car without the use of a traditional key. It's best to call the dealership when you lose the key type. Before they can make a new key, they'll need proof of ownership as well as your identity to verify. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip to the car's computer. This could take a few days.

It's a good idea to keep a spare smart-key in your pocket. You might be able to use it to get into your vehicle even in the event that you're unable to reach the dealership immediately. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this type of loss will be covered under your policy. If it is, they will provide you with a replacement vehicle and track the location of it. They could send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Not too long ago when you lost your car keys, it was not a huge issue. If you lost your key there was an extra on the keychain or in a small box connected to the car. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and they require more sophisticated keys that are easier 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 may have to visit a dealership or a locksmith to create the new key.

Generally, a locksmith is the most affordable option for most people, and they can create a replacement key for you in only a few minutes. Some people choose to contact their insurance provider to see whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a replacement key.

Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for stolen or lost car keys. While some may offer additional coverage but it's rare. Roadside assistance is a different option, but this usually only covers costs for when you lock your keys in your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key.

For electronic fobs, you'll need go to a dealership to have a new key created. This involves pairing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, so you'll need to show proof of ownership, like your registration number 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 all insurance companies include this option in their policies. If you have this type of coverage, it's worthwhile contacting your provider and comparing rates to find the most affordable price. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's important to inform your insurance provider that the keys are lost so that they can review their records and notify you in case the vehicle is ever reported stolen.

Contact the Police

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys to your car or loosing keys was not a major problem. You could simply visit a locksmith and get a new key cut right there. Today, cars are more technologically advanced, and keys can be costly to replace.

You should first file a police report. This will assist them in tracking the culprit and make it easier for you to prove that your keys were stolen. You will need to provide basic information like your car's make and model as well as your name and address. You may also need to show proof of ownership, like a V5C form that has your name on it.

If you have a spare, try to find it. Sometimes, they are kept in easy-to-access places like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry around when you leave home. You can ask around to see who has seen it, such as your roommates or relatives. Also, you should look into public spaces such as libraries and restaurants. These areas often collect keys that have been discovered and turned in and G28Carkeys.Co.Uk you could be lucky enough to locate yours among them.

If you can afford it you may also try contacting a specialist automotive lock. They will usually reprogram a key without the original and can even disable the old key so that no one else can use it to steal your vehicle. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system to accomplish this, but it will be worth it if your car has been taken.

There's no way to predict when your car keys will be lost car key replacement, but it's always better to prepare for the worst. Use these tips to lower your chance of becoming a victim. Also keep a spare vehicle key in your car at all times. You never know when it could save your life! Emma, a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog, contributed this article.