How to Locate a Key Car Lost

In the past, misplacing (or losing) your car keys was a common occurrence. Today, things can become much more complicated and expensive.

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

Retract your Steps

It can be stressful and even cause panic when you lose things that are important, like keys. However, there are methods to trace your steps and locate the object. It is important to remember where you saw the car in the last time so that you can start your search. Then consider the next steps you took from there.

If you own an GPS device it is possible to make use of it to track the location of your key fob. This only works if are using an electronic key and not a traditional key.

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

A flashlight is a great method of locating lost items. Use it to look around the area you suspect they might be in. This is particularly helpful when your clothes are dark or you are parked in an area with shade. You can also ask friends and family to help you locate your keys. They can offer a fresh set of eyes that may find things you didn't.

If you're having issues 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 tell the system that the door is closed and will keep the steps in a retracted position. This solution is also useful in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted while your coach is stored at a dealer.

Call the Dealership

If you've lost your keys it's a difficult experience. You may be forced to retrace your steps and searching for them in your home, office and other places. At some point, you'll have to accept that the keys to your car are gone and you'll need to seek assistance. You can do this by calling a dealer or a locksmith. Depending on the situation and type of key one of these options might be better than the other.

Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to design replacement keys for the brands of vehicles that they sell. They also have access to more information about the car than a locksmith could, such as details about the way in which the vehicle is secured. They are the best option for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys come with security features, such as transponders. However, it is important to keep in mind that a dealership is likely to be more expensive than locksmiths.

Certain cars have an electronic smart key that has an embedded chip. This chip communicates directly with the computer of the car. This allows drivers to open and start the car without a traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, it's recommended to call the dealership to get an alternative. Before they can make a new key, they'll require proof of ownership and your identity to confirm. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip with the car's computer. This could take a few days.

It's a good idea keep an extra smart-key in your pocket. You may be able to use it to get into your vehicle even in the event that you're unable to get to the dealership in time. Check with your insurance provider to determine if this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If so it is, they'll offer you an alternative and could be able to track the location of your vehicle. They can dispatch a tow truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Not too long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a big deal. If you lost your key there was a spare on the keychain or in a small box that was attached to your car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more sophisticated nowadays and require more sophisticated keys, which are harder to lose and more costly to replace. Depending on the model and model of your car you may need go to a dealership or a locksmith to create the new key.

Locksmiths are usually the cheaper alternative. They can make a replacement key in a matter of minutes. Some people choose to contact their insurance company to find out whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a replacement key.

Unfortunately, most standard auto insurance policies don't provide coverage for stolen or lost keys to cars. While some may have an add-on insurance policy that covers it but it's rare. Roadside assistance is a second option, but it usually only covers costs when you lock your keys inside your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key itself.

You'll need to visit the dealer to obtain an electronic replacement key fobs. This requires pairing a chip with your car, so you will require proof of ownership like your registration or title. This is an added expense that could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and could take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.

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 have this type of coverage, it's worth contacting your insurance provider and comparing rates to find the best deal. Whatever you decide to do, it's important that you inform your insurer that the keys have been lost to verify their records and inform you if the vehicle is ever reported stolen.

Contact the Police

It wasn't long ago that losing your keys to your car or losing them was not a big problem. A locksmith could cut a new key lost in car right on the spot. Now, cars are much more technologically advanced and keys can be expensive to replace.

The first thing you need to do is submit a police report to the police. This will help them locate the culprit and aid you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll have to provide basic information, such as the model and make of your vehicle as well as your name and address. You may be required to show proof of ownership, such as a V5C form with your name on it.

Find a spare, if you already have one. Sometimes, they are kept in accessible places, such as the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you carry around when you leave the house. You might want to ask around for anyone who has seen your spare, such as your roommates or family members. Also, you should look into public places like libraries and restaurants. These areas often collect keys that have been discovered and then returned and you could be lucky enough to locate yours among them.

If you have the money, you might also contact an expert in automotive locks. They can reprogram the key without the original one, and even disable the older one to ensure that it can't be used by anyone else to steal your vehicle. It is possible to remove a part of the ignition to do this. However, it is worth it if you have been the victim of theft.

It's impossible to know when your car keys may be lost. However, it's better to prepare for the worst. Follow these tips to minimize the chance of becoming a victim of crime. Also keep a spare vehicle key with you at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. This article was contributed by Emma Car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.