How to Find a Lost Key Car
One of the most common things to lose is the car key. If you don't have a spare key this can be a major problem.
The good news is that most keys lost are replaced fairly inexpensively. It is recommended to begin your search right away. Retrace your steps, do a thorough search and be calm.
Retract your Steps
If you've ever lost your keys to your car, you know it can be a stressful situation. It happens to everyone, regardless of whether you were doing errands in the car and forgot them or you lost keys as you rushed out the door. Fortunately, there are some steps you can follow to find your lost key.
First make sure to remain calm. Stressing yourself out won't help you locate your keys faster and will only make things worse. Make a conscious effort to remember the last time you had keys in your hand or where you might have last seen them. You can also search the area where you think you have found your keys by looking on the ground, in bushes, or under mats on the floor.
You can also note down the places you visited during the day, in the event you forget. If you don't have an eraser and a piece of paper you can walk around your house or places you visited during the day and look through all pockets on your clothes, bags and other items.
If you do have a spare key, this is the best time to make use of it. This can save you a lot of frustration and anxiety in the short run and save you from having to call an auto locksmith or a dealership for a new key.
If you do not have a spare, now is the time to call your local police department and inquire for any keys that were lost or found that have been handed in from the nearby region. Sometimes, people hand in their car keys that they lost and they're waiting to be taken care of by the appropriate person. This is a great idea, especially if have an older model vehicle which may not have a built-in tracking system like many of the modern vehicles on the market today. A professional locksmith can replace your keys quickly and easily providing you with peace of mind.
Call Your Insurance Company
It's true that losing your keys can be quite annoying. It's not just a hassle, it costs you money. The good news is that most insurance companies provide insurance for car keys, which can save you the expense of replacing keys lost. Be sure to verify your policy prior to filing an insurance claim to ensure that your keys that are lost will be protected.
If you don't have a spare, it may be difficult to replace your lost car key. Luckily the locksmith or car dealer can make duplicate keys for you provided they have your car's key code or VIN number. This service is usually for free when you have roadside assistance.
Take a deep breath and relax when you are unable to locate your car keys. Doing this will only make you frustrated and won't help you locate your keys any faster. After you've calmed down and regained your confidence, look in your pockets and other obvious places like your laptop bag or purse that you were carrying. It's also a good idea to look into places you wouldn't normally consider checking like the floor of your house or the inside of your shoes.
Modern cars are stocked with smart keys that emit an electronic signal when they're within the range of the vehicle's immobilizer system. These keys can only be replaced by a locksmith or dealer and can be costly. If you are worried about the expense of a key, you can consider an old-fashioned key. They don't require the latest chip and can be duplicated by locksmiths.
The process of filing a claim for car insurance for a lost key could be complicated, and the process can take a long time. Furthermore, you will have to pay a deductible which could be more costly than the cost of an alternative key. It's not worth it to file an insurance claim when you lose your car key. But, it's worth looking into your insurance provider's policies and optional riders to see whether they provide protection for keys that are lost.
Call Full Survey 'll have to contact your dealer to order an additional smart key or transponder, if you have one. The keys emit a unique electronic code that the vehicle is able to recognize which allows it to communicate with the chip inside to unlock or start the engine. If your smart key has been lost, you'll need to prove ownership to an employee at the dealership to get it replaced.
The main disadvantage of contacting a dealership is the lengthy process. Dealerships must be able to work with thousands of customers each day. It's likely that you'll be left off the list unless you require an urgent appointment or something else. The other downside is that dealers will charge you a fee to replace your key. If this is worth the expense will depend on your preferences and budget.
A locksmith is another option. Local locksmiths are more efficient as they can usually talk directly to them. This can save you from unnecessary waiting for hours and hassles. A lot of auto locksmiths will be available to assist you, even in the event that the dealership is closed.
The primary benefit of hiring a locksmith is they can make a traditional key for your car right on the spot. This can be a fantastic alternative to a dealership, especially when you're in a hurry to travel. The biggest drawback of using a locksmith is that they won't be able replace your smart key. If you're looking for the best solution, you should contact both a dealership and a locksmith to see what your options are. The final decision will come down to your preferences in terms of service.
Contact a Locksmith
Car keys are among the most frequently lost items people lose. They are small and light and can be tucked away in any pocket. However, they can be easy to lose if you do not know where to look. It is important to act fast in the event that you've lost your car key. If you have a spare, try it first. Otherwise, you'll need to get locksmith.
Even if it isn't possible to have the original key, a good NYC locksmith can create a replacement car key. The process could take longer than if you go to the dealership however, it will be less expensive. If you do visit the dealership, be sure you bring proof of ownership with you like your registration or title.
Be sure to check every possible spot where you might have put it prior to calling a locksmith. It could have been placed in the cupholder or under the seat. It's also possible that you dropped it on the ground somewhere and forgot about it.
Contact your insurance provider immediately If you are unable to locate your keys. Inform them of the situation in writing to ensure that there is no chance your claim will be rejected in the future.
Certain companies such as AAA will help you locate your car key that was lost for a small fee. However they're only able to do so much. If you've lost a key, they'll make a replacement at the dealership.
Getting a replacement at the dealership is expensive however, if you have a locksmith it's much more affordable. You will need to have the vehicle's make, model and year, as well as any evidence of ownership, like an official title or registration to complete the process. If your key fob is lost and you are unable to find it, you must wait several days for it to be reset. The key fob transmits an electronic code that can be recognized by your vehicle. If it is lost, it will be impossible to start your car.