How to Locate a Key Car Lost

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

It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can, whether it's an older key or a newer fob. Here's how. It will help prevent someone from using the keys to steal your car.

Retract your steps

When you lose something important like keys or your wallet, it can be very stressful and even panic-inducing. Fortunately, there are some ways to retrace your steps and find the item. The first thing you need to do is remember the last time you seen the car that was key and where to start your search. Then, think about where you went following that.

You can also track your key fob by using the GPS device. But, this is only applicable if your car has an electronic component and doesn't have a traditional key.

Close your eyes and imagine the day you had trying to recall the last time that you saw the keys. This could help uncover important clues about the location where they went missing.

Another method to retrace your steps is using a flashlight to search the area you suspect they could be. This is especially useful in the event that you wear dark clothing or are in a shaded location. You can also ask your friends and family to help you locate your keys. They can offer a fresh perspective that could be able to spot things you missed.

If you're having issues with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is off), get a small bar magnet and connect it to the screen door sensor on the door frame. This will notify the system that the door is shut and keep the steps in a retracted position. This is also a good option in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted when your coach is stored at the dealer.

Contact the Dealership

If you've lost your keys, it's a frustrating experience. You may need to go through the steps and searching for keys in your home, office and in other places. Eventually, you have to accept that your car keys are gone and you'll have to contact assistance. You can do this by calling an auto dealer or locksmith. Depending on the situation and the kind of key you have, one of these options might be more suitable than the other.

Generally speaking dealerships for cars are equipped to design replacement keys for the brands of vehicles they sell. They have more information about the vehicle than a locksmith with regards to the security features of the vehicle. They are the best option for certain vehicles, especially when your keys have security features like a transponder. It is important to keep in mind that a dealership will be more expensive than an independent locksmith.

Some cars have a special key, referred to as a smart key that has an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This can allow drivers to open and start the car without a traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's recommended to call the dealership to get a replacement. Before they can make a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and your identity to confirm. The dealer must also 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 may be able to utilize it to access your vehicle even in the event that you're unable to get to the dealership in time. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss can be covered under your policy. If so it is, they'll offer you a replacement and may even be able track the location of your vehicle. They can dispatch a tow truck to retrieve your vehicle and return it.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Losing your keys to your car was not a big issue until recently. You may have had a spare attached to your car in a little box or kept it on the keychain, and when you lost the one you always had, you simply went and got another. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more sophisticated now and require more complex keys, which are harder to lose and are more costly to replace. Depending on the model and model of your vehicle, you may have go to a dealer or a locksmith to make the new key.

In general locksmiths are the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they are able to make a new key for you within a few minutes. However, some people prefer to call their car insurance company to find out whether they have roadside assistance that covers the cost of obtaining the new key.

Unfortunately, most standard auto insurance policies don't cover lost or stolen keys to vehicles. It is rare to find an additional policy that covers stolen or lost car keys. Roadside assistance is another option. However, it typically only covers the costs if you lock the keys in your vehicle and does not include the cost of replacing lost car keys the key.

For electronic fobs, you'll need go to a dealership to have a replacement key made. This process involves affixing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, so you'll need to show evidence of ownership, such as your car registration or title. This is a cost which could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a local locksmith.

Certain homeowner's insurance policies cover garage door openers and dwelling keys lost, but few car insurance companies offer this type of coverage. If you do have this option, it's worth contacting your insurance provider and comparing prices to find the most affordable price. Whatever you decide to do, it's crucial that you inform your insurer that the keys are lost so that they can verify their records and inform you in case the vehicle is ever reported stolen.

Contact the Police

A few years ago losing or misplacing your car keys was not an issue. A locksmith could cut a new car key on the spot. Now, cars are much more technologically advanced and keys can be expensive to replace.

You should first start by filing a police complaint. This will allow them to track down the thief and aid you to prove that your keys were taken. You will have to provide basic information such as your car's make and model as well as your name and address. You may also have to prove that you own the car like the V5C form with your name on it.

Find a spare if have one. Sometimes, they are stored in places accessible to the public, such as a jacket's back pocket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You might ask around to find if anyone has seen it, such as your roommates or family members. You should also look in public spaces, like restaurants and libraries. You might find your key in these places, as they collect keys that people have found and returned.

If you have the money you could also consider contacting an expert automotive lock. They can usually reprogram a key without the original one and even disable the original key so that no one else is able to use it to steal your car. They may need to remove part of the ignition system in order to accomplish this but it's worth it if the car has been stolen.

It's difficult to know the time when your car keys could be lost. However, it's important to be prepared for the worst. Use these tips to minimize your chances of becoming a victim and make sure to keep a spare key handy at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. This article was written by Emma who is a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.