How to Locate a Key Car Lost

Not too long ago losing (or losing) keys to your car was a straightforward matter. Today, the process can be much more costly and complicated.

It's important to report lost keys as soon as you can regardless of whether it's a vintage key or a more modern fob. Here's how. It can stop thieves from using keys to steal your vehicle.

Retract your Steps

If you lose something that is important, like your keys it can be extremely stressful and can even cause panic. There are a few ways to locate the item and retrace your footsteps. You need to remember where you last saw the car in the last time so that you can start your search. Next, consider where you went after that.

If you have an GPS device you can also make use of it to determine the whereabouts of your key fob. This is only possible when your car is equipped with an electronic component and doesn't have a traditional key.

Close your eyes and visualize the day you spent trying to recall the last time you saw the keys. This can help to bring up clues to the location where they went missing.

Another great way to retrace your steps is using a flashlight to scour the area where you think they might be. This is particularly helpful in the event that your clothing is dark or you're parked in a shaded location. You can also ask your friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They will be able to give you a fresh pair of eyes and could be able to see things you've missed.

If your coach steps are always extended even when the step switch has been switched off, connect an iron bar to the screen door sensor located on the door frame. This will notify the system that the screen door sensor is closed and the steps will be retractable. This is also a good option for those who want the steps to stay in place when your coach is storage at a dealer.

Call the Dealership

It can be very frustrating to lose your keys. You might need to go through the steps and searching for keys in your home, office and other places. Eventually, you have to accept that the keys to your car have disappeared and you'll need to seek assistance. You can do this through either a locksmith or dealer. Depending on the circumstance and type of key, one of these choices may be superior to the other.

Generally speaking dealerships have the capacity to design replacement keys for the brands of vehicles they sell. They have more information on the vehicle than locksmiths with regards to the security features of the vehicle. They are the best option for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys come with security features, such as a transponder. It is essential to remember that a dealership will be more expensive than an independent locksmith.

Certain cars have a special smart key with an embedded chip. The chip is directly connected with the computer in the car. This can allow drivers to unlock and start the car without a traditional key. It is recommended to call the dealership when you lose the key type. They'll require proof of your identity and have proof of ownership before they are able to produce an original key. The dealer will also need to pair the new chip with the car's computer. This could take several days.

A good idea is to keep an extra smart key in your pocket, because you may be able to get into the car with it even when you're unable to go to the dealership right away. Another good option 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 vehicle and track the location of it. They can even send a tow truck to bring the vehicle back and return it to you.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a major issue. If you lost your keys you might have an extra key on your keychain or in a small container attached to the car. Nowadays, cars are more technologically advanced and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You might need to visit a dealer or a locksmith based on the year, model and model of your vehicle.

A locksmith is usually the cheapest option. They can create a replacement key within a matter of minutes. However, some prefer to contact their vehicle insurance company to find out whether they offer roadside assistance that can cover the cost of purchasing the new key.

Most automobile insurance policies do not cover lost or stolen keys. It's rare to find an add-on policy that covers lost or stolen keys to cars. Roadside assistance is a second option, but it usually only covers costs if you lock your keys in your car and doesn't include the cost of replacing the key.

For electronic fobs, you'll have go to a dealership to get a replacement 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 is a cost which could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a local locksmith.

Some homeowners insurance policies offer additional coverage for dwellings keys and garage door openers, however, not all car insurance companies offer this feature in their policy options. It is worth comparing rates with your insurance provider in case you have this type of coverage. It is important to inform your insurance company you have lost car key replacement price the keys so that they can verify their records. They will then inform you if your vehicle is reported as stolen.

Contact the Police

It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car or loosing keys was not a major issue. You could simply visit a locksmith and get a new key cut on the spot. The technology used in automobiles has advanced to the point where keys can be expensive to replace.

It is recommended to first make a police report. This will help them find the person responsible and aid you to prove that you keys were stolen. You'll need to provide basic information, like the make and model of your car and your name and address. You may also have to prove that you own the vehicle for example, the V5C form with your name on it.

If you have a spare, try to find it. Sometimes, they are kept in places accessible to the public like the back pocket of a jacket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You can ask around to see if anyone has seen it, such as your roommates or relatives. Also, you should look into public areas such as 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 a specialist automotive lock. They can reprogram the key without the original key, and can even disable the older one to ensure that it can't be used by any other person to steal your vehicle. It is possible to dismantle a part of the ignition to do this. But, it's worth it if you have been the victim of theft.

It's impossible to know the time when your car keys could be lost. However, it's better to be prepared for the most likely. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of becoming a victim and make sure to keep an extra key in your pocket at all times. You never know when it will save your life! Emma is an author and car owner at CarsBlog, contributed this article.