How to Locate a Key Car Lost

It wasn't that long ago that losing or losing your car keys was a common thing to do. Today, things can be much more expensive and complicated.

Whether it's a traditional key or a more advanced car key fob, it's essential to report the loss as soon as possible. Here's how. This will stop anyone from stealing your car keys.

Retract your Steps

It can be stressful and create panic if you misplace something important like your keys. Fortunately, there are some methods to trace your steps and find the object. The first thing to do is remember the last time you saw the key car, so you know where to start your search. Then, think about where you went from there.

You can also track your key fob using the GPS device. However, this only works when your car is equipped with an electronic component and does not have an ordinary key.

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

A flashlight is an excellent way to find your lost possessions. Use it to search the area you think they might be in. This is especially helpful if your clothing is dark or you're parked in a shaded location. You can also enlist the assistance of your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can offer a fresh perspective that could find things you didn't.

If your coach steps always extend, even when the step switch has been switched off, connect an iron bar to the door sensor of the screen that is located on the door's frame. This will notify the system that the screen door sensor is closed, and the steps will be retractable. This solution is also useful for those who want to keep the steps retracted while your vehicle is being stored at a dealer.

Contact the Dealership

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

In general, dealerships are able to create replacement keys for vehicles they sell. They have more information about the car than a locksmith, including details about the vehicle's security. They are the best choice for certain vehicles, particularly when your keys come with security features such as transponders. It is important to remember that a dealership can be more expensive than a locksmith who is independent.

Certain cars come with a unique key that is known as a smart with an embedded chip that communicates with the car's computer. This allows drivers to unlock and start the car without having a traditional key. It's best to contact the dealer if you lose this key type. Before they can make a new key, they'll need proof of ownership and your identity to confirm. The dealer will also have to connect the new chip with the car's system, which can take a couple of days.

A good idea is to keep a spare smart key in your purse, because you may be able to get into the car with it even in the event that you aren't able to get into the dealership immediately. Another good option is to ask your insurance company if this kind of loss is covered under your policy. If it is covered, they'll provide you with an alternate and might be able to track the location of your car. They may even provide a tow truck retrieve the vehicle 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 could have a spare on the keychain or in a small box attached to the car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that cars are more advanced nowadays and require more sophisticated keys that are more difficult to lose and more costly to replace. You might need to go to a dealer or locksmith based on the year, make and model of your car.

Locksmiths are usually the cheaper alternative. They can create a replacement key in a matter of minutes. Some people prefer to call their insurance company to see whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a new key.

Unfortunately, the majority of auto insurance policies do not cover stolen or lost car keys. While some may offer additional coverage however, it's not common. Roadside assistance may be an option. However, it usually only covers the cost for locking the keys to your vehicle. It doesn't cover the cost of replacing the key.

For electronic fobs, you'll have go to a dealership to have a replacement key made. This process involves pairing a new chip with the vehicle, so you'll need to show evidence of ownership, such as your vehicle's registration or title. This could cost you several hundred dollars, and could take longer than hiring the local locksmith.

Some homeowners insurance policies offer additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers, however, not all car insurance companies include this option in their policy options. It's worth comparing rates with your provider for this coverage. Regardless of what you choose to do, it's essential to inform your insurance company that the keys have been lost keys, so that they can check their records and notify you in the event that the vehicle is ever reported stolen.

Contact the Police

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to your car or loosing keys was not a major problem. Locksmiths could cut a new key on the spot. Today, cars are more advanced in technology and keys can be expensive to replace.

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

Find a spare, if you already have one. Sometimes, they are kept in places that are easy to access like the back pocket of your jacket or in the purse you use when you leave home. You can ask around to determine who has seen it, such as roommates or family. You should also check in public places like libraries and restaurants. These places often have keys that have been found and turned in and returned, and you may be lucky enough to find yours among them.

If you have the money you may also try contacting a specialist automotive lock. They can change the key's programming without the original one, and even disable the old key so that it can't be used by any other person to steal your car. It is possible to dismantle a part of the ignition to do this. But, it's worth it if had your car stolen.

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 minimize your chance of becoming a victim and make sure to keep an extra key on hand at all times. You never know when a spare key might save your life. This article was contributed by Emma who is a car owner and blogger at CarsBlog.