Lost Key in Car
It happens to everyone: you're hurrying out of the door and keys to your car go missing. You might have an extra car key or you can call a locksmith in the area to make an original key.
It's not difficult to return to the same places you're "sure" your keys are, but you should take a second look and thoroughly search.
1. Retract your steps
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least would. It can happen while conducting errands, or returning home after a long day at work. It can be easy to get overwhelmed in these situations, but it's important to calm down and retrace your steps. This will help you find out where your keys may be and where you should begin searching.
If your steps aren't retracting or extending even with the ignition on you may need to replace an ignition fuse or examine the motor on the step. You can also try tapping on the step motor with a hammer to see whether it works. It often does.
2. Make Sure You Check Your Car
It's a major hassle to lose keys to your car, particularly when you need to get to a location quickly. It's vital to remain calm and retrace the steps you took to locate your keys.
A good place to start is to go back to the last time you remember having your keys. Examining the pockets of your jeans or jacket could suffice. It's also recommended to check places you might not normally consider looking, like your shoe if you went for a walk or the top of your fridge.
If you are unable to locate your keys, you might be able to locate someone to assist you for a lower price than the cost of a dealership. You should first determine if the key you lost is covered under your vehicle warranty or insurance.
Transponder keys are used by the majority of modern vehicles to lock and unlock doors as well as to start the car. These keys contain tiny chips that transmit an individual signal to the vehicle, that can only be read by scanner. If you own transponder keys the best choice is to contact your dealer. They can provide you with a replacement key that can be paired with your car. This could be expensive and takes a long time. You can also use a Bluetooth keytracker that functions just like a regular key but is much less expensive. These devices emit a radio signal and can be paired with an application on your smartphone, which allows you to see where your keys are.
3. Call a Locksmith
It's a good idea to keep a spare set of keys in a safe place in case you lose your keys often. So, you'll always have one to turn in the ignition when you need it. If you don't have a spare, try looking online for second-hand keys that will work with your car. They are usually cheaper than visiting an auto dealer.
Another location to search for your lost car key is in your bag or backpack. Be sure to take a close look at all the pockets or zippered compartments, as well as small compartments. These pockets, zippered areas and small compartments may conceal keys that are difficult to find. Contact a locksmith if cannot locate your key.
Locksmiths are experts at replacing lost keys. They will usually be capable of creating keys for your vehicle based on the information you give them, such as your VIN number and key identification. Depending on the kind of key you have, they may also be able to reprogram the immobilizer system, which will prevent it from starting if the wrong one is used.
You could also ask your local dealership to assist you in finding your lost car key. The dealership can design an alternative key chip for your car, but it can be more expensive than working with a locksmith from outside.
If your key is equipped with a transponder, you'll have to go to the manufacturer or dealer for a replacement. In this scenario, they will have to design an entirely new key that is compatible with the existing system in your vehicle and you'll have to prove ownership. This can be prevented by working with an automotive locksmith who is likely to be able to provide you with a better price.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
You've had a long and tiring day. You're looking forward to going to your home, put on a comfy sweatshirt and order a pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You lose your keys. What a pity! Before you give up and start panicking check your car, the obvious place you think they might be. Also check the couch cushions and in cabinets and countertops where you might have put them down. If you've not had the chance to clean up, now would be the time. Also, don't forget go to the workplace or other locations where you might have lost your key in the past. Often keys are handed in by employees or customers and may be waiting for you.
If you've done all of this but still aren't able to locate your keys, it's time to call your insurance company. The loss of keys is considered a comprehensive loss, meaning the insurer will cover the cost to replace the keys. If you have roadside assistance coverage they can provide a locksmith you. If you don't have roadside assistance, you'll have to bring your vehicle to the dealer so they can make a key using the information from your vehicle. This could be costly and can take several days as the dealership needs to program the key into your computer system.
To avoid this problem ensure you have an extra key in the car in the event that you lose one. It's a good idea to make your spare key from the same type of key that you use for your car key. Consider purchasing a Bluetooth tracker to help find your key ring. There are many options, including Apple AirTags, Tiles and others.
5. Contact the police
Keys to your car are among of the most frequent issues that motorists face. If someone steals your car with your key, it's more than only a hassle but also an opportunity for security.
The best thing to do if you lose your keys is follow your steps again and conduct a thorough search. Make sure replace lost car key look in pockets, compartments and even inside bags that may have been carried around. You can also enlist the assistance of your family members and friends to take a look, since they have different perspectives and may be able to identify things that you might overlook.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact the police as quickly as you can. This will prevent any other crimes from happening in the meantime and it will also help with the possibility of a claim for insurance in the event that your vehicle is stolen.
The police will inform you whether keys were returned after you have reported the loss. Sometimes, people leave keys on the streets or in public parks, and the police are usually able to inform you when they've found them.
You can call an locksmith if you're not satisfied with the response of the police. Most locksmiths will be able to create an entirely new car key for you, and some will even disable the previous one to ensure nobody is able to use it to steal your car. You can also call your dealer for assistance for a similar service. It's a good idea to review your insurance policy prior to doing this as some policies cover the cost of replacing a vehicle.