How to Locate a Key Car Lost

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was a common task to perform. Now, things can be much more complicated and expensive.

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. This will prevent anyone from taking your car keys.

Retract Your Steps

It can be stressful and even cause panic if you lose something important like your keys. However, there are ways to trace your steps and locate the object. It is important to remember where you last saw the car last so that you can start your search. Then, think about where you went after that.

If you have an GPS device you can also make use of it to track the location of your key fob. This only works if have an electronic key and not a traditional one.

Close your eyes and visualize the time you spent there in the present, and then try to recall the last time that you saw the keys. This can help you discover important clues to where they are.

A flashlight is an excellent method of locating lost belongings. Use it to look for the area you suspect they might be located in. This is particularly useful if your clothing is dark or you are 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 set of eyes and may discover things you not noticed.

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 that is located on the door frame. This will notify the system that the door is shut and the steps will remain retracting. This method is also helpful in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted even when your coach is stored at a dealer.

Call the Dealership

If you've lost your keys, it's a difficult experience. It can be a long time to retrace your steps and searching your office, home or other places you may have left them. It is likely that keys to your car are missing and that you'll need to contact someone for help. This can be done through either a locksmith or dealer. Based on your particular situation and the kind of key you have either of these options may be more suitable than the other.

Generally speaking dealerships for cars are equipped to create replacement keys for the brand of vehicles they sell. They also have access to more information about the vehicle than a locksmith might provide, such as information about how the car is secured. They are the best option for certain vehicles, especially when your keys come with security features like a transponder. It is important to keep in mind that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.

Certain cars come with a unique key, referred to as a smart key, which has an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This can allow drivers to unlock and start the car without a traditional key. If you lose this kind of key, you'll need to contact the dealership to get a replacement. They'll need to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership before they are able to produce the new key. The dealer will also need to connect the new chip to the car's computer. This can take a few days.

It is a good idea to have an extra smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to get into the car using it in the event that you aren't able to get into the dealership right away. Ask your insurance company whether this kind of loss will be covered under your policy. If so covered, they'll offer you a replacement and replacement may even be able to determine the location of your car. They could send a tow-truck for your vehicle to be recovered and return it.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Losing your keys to your car was not a major issue until recently. You might have kept a spare key attached to your car in a little box or on your keychain and when you lost the one you always had, you just went out and bought a new. But now, automobiles are more advanced and they require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace, according to Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. You may have to visit a dealer or a locksmith depending on the year, model and model of your vehicle.

In general locksmiths are the most affordable option for a majority of people, and they are able to create a replacement key for you in just a few minutes. Some people decide to call their insurance company to inquire whether roadside assistance is covered by the cost of a replacement key.

The majority of standard auto insurance policies don't cover keys stolen or lost key to car no spare. It's not common to find an additional policy that covers stolen or lost car keys. Roadside assistance can be another option. However, it usually only covers the costs if you lock the keys to your vehicle. It does not cover the cost to replace the key.

For electronic fobs, you'll need to head to the dealership to have a replacement key made. This requires pairing a chip with the vehicle, replacement and you'll require proof of ownership for example, your registration or title. This is an added expense that could potentially run you a couple hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.

Some homeowners' insurance policies provide coverage for garage door openers and keys, but few car insurance companies offer this option. It is worth comparing rates with your insurer if you have this coverage. It is essential to inform your insurance company that you have lost the keys so they can check their records. They will then notify you if the car is reported as stolen.

Contact the Police

Not long ago losing or misplacing your car keys wasn't a big deal. Locksmiths could cut a new key on the spot. Now, cars are much more technologically advanced, and keys can be costly to replace.

The first thing you should do is file a report with the police. This will enable them to track down the thief and aid you to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll be required to provide basic details such as your car's make and model as well as your name and address. You may also need to prove that you own the car like the V5C form with your name on it.

If you have a spare, try to locate it. Sometimes, they are stored in accessible places like the back pocket of a jacket, or the purse you carry when you leave the house. You may want to inquire about anyone who has seen your spare, such as your roommates or family members. Also, you should look into public areas like restaurants and libraries. These places often have keys that have been found and then returned and you could be lucky enough to find yours among them.

You may also want to contact a specialist automotive locksmith if you can afford it. They can usually reprogram keys without the original key and even disable the old key so that nobody else is able to use it to steal your vehicle. They may have to dismantle part of the ignition system to accomplish this, but it will be worth it if the car has been taken.

There's no way to know the exact time your car keys will be lost, but it's best to plan for the worst. Use these tips to lower your chance of becoming a crime victim. Also, keep a spare car key on you at all times. You never know the day that a spare key will save your life. This article was contributed by Emma, a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.