How to Locate a Key Car Lost

A few years ago, finding (or losing) your car keys was a simple affair. Nowadays, things are much more expensive and complicated.

If 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 help prevent anyone from using your keys to steal your vehicle.

Retract your steps

It can be stressful and cause panic when you lose an item of importance, such as keys. There are a few ways to find the item and trace your steps. The first thing to remember is where you last saw the key car to know where to start your search. Then consider the next steps you took from there.

If you have an GPS device it is possible to make use of it to track the whereabouts of your key fob. This is only possible in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and doesn't have a traditional key.

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

Another method to retrace your steps is to use a flashlight and search the area you suspect they could be. This is especially helpful in the event that your clothing is dark or you're parked in a shaded area. You can also enlist the help of your friends and family members to help you locate your keys. They can offer a fresh pair of eyes to find things you didn't.

If your coach's steps are always extended even when the step switch has been turned off, attach an iron bar to the screen door sensor located on the door frame. This will inform the system that the door is shut and will keep the steps retracted. This solution is also useful in the event that you want to keep the steps retracted even when your coach is stored at an agent.

Call the Dealership

If you've lost your keys it can be a very difficult experience. You could spend hours retracing your steps and searching for them in your office, home or other places you may have lost them. In the end, you must accept the fact that your car keys are gone and that you'll need to call for assistance. You can do this by calling either a locksmith or dealer. Depending on your situation and the type of key you have, one of these options may be more appropriate than the other.

Generally speaking dealerships for cars are equipped to design replacement keys for the brand of vehicles they sell. They also have access to more details about the car than a locksmith could, such as details about the way in which the vehicle is secured. This makes them the best option for certain kinds of vehicles and vehicles, particularly if the keys include a transponder or other security features. However, it is important to keep in mind that a dealership will likely be more expensive than a locksmith.

Certain cars have a special smart key with a chip inside. The chip is directly connected with the computer inside the car. This lets drivers unlock and start their car without the use of a traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's recommended to call the dealership to request the replacement. They'll need to verify your identity and provide proof of ownership before they are able to make an original key. The dealer must also connect the new chip to the car's computer. This could take several 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 car even if you are unable to reach the dealership immediately. Ask your insurance company whether this type of loss will be covered under your policy. If so covered, they'll provide you with an alternate and might be able track the location of your car. They can even provide a tow truck bring the vehicle back and return it to you.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Not too long ago when you lost keys for car No spare your car keys, it was not a huge issue. If you lost your key there was an extra on the keychain or in a small bag connected to the car. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He says that cars are more sophisticated now and require more complex keys that are more difficult to lose and more expensive to replace. You may need to visit a dealer or a locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle.

Generally, a locksmith is the cheaper option for most people, and they are able to make a replacement key for you in just a few minutes. Some people choose to contact their insurance provider to find out whether roadside assistance is covered by the cost of a replacement key.

Most auto insurance policies don't cover keys that are stolen or lost. It's rare to find an add-on policy that covers stolen or lost car keys. Roadside assistance is another option, but it typically only covers costs for if you lock your keys inside your vehicle, and does not cover the cost of replacing the key.

For electronic fobs, you'll need to visit a dealer to have a replacement key made. This requires pairing a chip with the car, so you will need to provide proof ownership for example, your registration or title. This is an added expense that could cost of replacing lost car keys you a few hundred dollars or more, and it may take longer than working with a locksmith in your neighborhood.

Certain homeowner's insurance policies include coverage for garage door openers and dwelling keys, but few car insurance companies offer this option. It's worth comparing rates with your insurance provider in case you have this coverage. It's important to inform your insurance company you have lost the keys to ensure they are in their records. They will 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. You could simply visit a locksmith and get a new key cut right there. Nowadays, cars are more advanced in technology and keys can be quite expensive to replace.

You should first file a police report. This will enable them to locate the culprit and will make it easier for your to prove that you keys were taken. You'll need to provide some basic information, such as the model and make of your car and your address and name. You may also be required to provide proof that you own the vehicle like the V5C form with your name on it.

Find a spare, if you already have one. Sometimes, they are kept 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 whether anyone has seen it, for instance roommates or family. You should also look in public places like libraries and restaurants. These areas usually collect keys that have been discovered and turned in, and you might be lucky enough to find yours among them.

If you can afford it you could also consider contacting a specialist automotive lock. They can modify the key without the original one, and can even disable the older key so that it can't be used by someone else to steal your car. It is possible that they will need to take down part of the ignition system in order to do this however it will be worth it if your car was taken.

There's no way of knowing when your car keys might be lost, but it's better to prepare for the worst. Use these tips to minimize your chance of being a victim. Also, ensure you have a spare key handy at all times. You never know when it might save your life! Emma, a blogger and car owner at CarsBlog, contributed this article.