How to Locate a Key Car Lost

A few years ago, misplacing (or losing) your car keys was a straightforward matter. Today, things can be much more costly and complicated.

Whether it's a traditional key or a more advanced car key fob, it's important to report the loss as soon as possible. Here's how. It will stop someone from using the keys to steal your car.

Retract Your Steps

If you lose something of importance like keys or your wallet, it can be very anxious and even arousing. However, there are methods to trace your steps and locate the item. The first thing to do is remember the last time you saw the key car to know where to begin your search. Then consider the next steps you took from there.

If you own a GPS device it is possible to make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. But, this is only applicable if your car has an electronic component and does not have an ordinary key.

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

A flashlight is an excellent method to locate your lost belongings. Use it to look for the area you suspect they might be in. This is particularly helpful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are parking in a shaded area. You may also ask the help of friends and family members to help find your keys. They can provide a fresh set of eyes and might be able to discover things you missed.

If you're having difficulty getting your coach steps to stay extended (even when the step switch is turned off) take 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 sensor is closed, and the steps will be retractable. This solution is also useful if you wish to keep the steps retracted when your coach is being stored at the dealer.

Call the Dealership

It can be frustrating to lose your keys. You may need to go through the steps and looking for keys in your office, home and in other places. In the end, you must accept the fact that the keys to your car are gone and you'll have to seek assistance. You can do this by calling a dealer or a locksmith. Based on your particular situation and the type of key you have one of these options might be better than the other.

In general, car dealerships have the ability to make replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They also have access to more details about the vehicle than a locksmith would provide, such as information about how the car is secured. This makes them the most suitable option for certain kinds of vehicles, especially if your keys have a transponder or other security features. It is important to keep in mind that a dealership can be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.

Certain vehicles have a specific key, referred to as a smart key with a chip inside of it that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to start and unlock their car without using a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealer when you lose the key type. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and your identity to confirm. The dealer must also connect the new chip with the car's computer. This could take several days.

It's a good idea to keep a spare smart-key in your pocket. You may be able to use it to get into your car even if you are unable to make it to the dealership right away. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If so it is, they'll offer you an alternative and could be able track the location of your car. They can send a tow-truck in to recover your vehicle and return it.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was not a major issue. You might have kept a spare connected to your car in a little box or kept it on the keychain, and lost car keys replaced in the event that you lost keys to my car the key you always had, you just bought another. 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. You might need to visit a dealer or a locksmith based on the year, make and model of your car.

A locksmith is usually the cheapest option. They can make keys replacements within a matter of minutes. Some people decide to call their insurance company to see if roadside assistance will cover the cost of a new key.

Unfortunately, the majority of standard auto insurance policies don't cover stolen or lost keys to vehicles. Although some policies may include add-on coverage that does, it is rare. Roadside assistance may be an option. However, it typically only covers the costs when you lock the keys in your vehicle. It does not cover the cost to replace the key.

You'll need to go to the dealer to purchase a replacement key for electronic fobs. This process involves affixing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, which means you'll have to provide proof of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This is an additional cost which could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with an experienced locksmith in your area.

Certain homeowners insurance policies provide additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers, however, not all car insurance companies include this option in their policies. If you do have this coverage, it is worthwhile contacting your provider and comparing prices to find the best deal. Whatever you decide to do, it's essential that you inform your insurer that the keys are lost so that they can check their records and notify you in case the vehicle is ever reported as stolen.

Contact the Police

In the past, misplacing or losing keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could go to an locksmith and have a new key cut on the spot. Today, cars are more advanced in technology and keys can be quite expensive to replace.

It is recommended to first start by filing a police complaint. This will help them track down the thief and also make it easier for you to prove that your keys were stolen. You will have to provide basic information like your car's make and model along with your name and address. You may be required to provide proof of ownership, like an V5C form with your name on it.

If you have a spare, you should try to locate it. Sometimes, they are stored in places that are easy to access like the back pocket of a jacket or in the purse you use when you leave home. You might want to ask around for anyone who has seen your spare, like your roommates or family members. You should also look in public spaces, like libraries and restaurants. These areas usually collect keys that have been found and turned in, and you might be lucky enough to find yours among them.

If you can afford it you could also consider contacting an expert automotive lock. They can reprogram the key without the original, and even disable the older one to ensure that it can't be used by someone else to steal your car. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system in order to accomplish this, but it will be worth it if your vehicle was taken.

It's difficult to know when your car keys might be lost. However, it's better to prepare for the worst. Use these tips to minimize the chance of becoming a victim and be sure to keep a spare key handy at all times. You never know when a spare key might save your life. Emma, blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog contributed to this article.