How to Find a Lost Key Car
Car keys are one of the most easy things to lose. This could be a huge hassle if you don't have a spare key.
The good news is that a majority of keys lost are replaced fairly inexpensively. It is recommended to start the search as soon as you can. Follow your steps, do a thorough search, and keep at a steady pace.
Retract your Steps
If you've ever lost your keys to your car, you know it can be a stressful experience. Whether you were running for errands and forgot them in the car or you misplaced keys in the rush of getting out of the door it happens to the best of us. There are some ways to locate your keys.
First take care to remain calm. Doing anything to help you locate your keys faster and could make the situation worse. Remember the last time you held them in your palms or the last time they were seen. You could also look around the area you think you have found your keys by looking at the ground, in bushes, or under mats on the floor.
Another alternative is to note down every place you've been throughout the day in case memory fails you. If you don't have a pen and paper, it's a good idea walk around your house or the places you visited during the day, checking all pockets of your clothes, bags and other belongings once more.
If you have a spare key, this is the best time to make use of it. This will save you lots of frustration and stress in the short-term and you won't have to contact an expert locksmith or dealer for a new key.
If you do not have a spare, now is the perfect time to call your local police department and inquire whether they have keys that have been lost or discovered that may have been turned into the area. Some people will turn in their lost keys, and they are waiting to be picked by the right person. This is especially true if your vehicle is old and doesn't have an electronic tracking system like some of the more modern models. A professional locksmith will quickly and easily replace your key that was lost and give you peace of mind.
Call Your Insurance Company
It's true that losing keys can be a hassle. It's not just a hassle and costs you money. Many insurance companies offer a car key protection policy, which will save you money on replacing your lost keys. Check lost key in car before making an insurance claim to make sure that your lost keys will be covered.
It may be difficult to find an alternative for your lost car keys if you don't have a spare. Luckily, a locksmith or a car dealer can make a duplicate for you provided they have your car's key code or VIN number. If you have roadside assistance, this service will usually be free of charge.
Take a deep breath and calm yourself down in case you're unable to locate your car keys. Being anxious will just make you more stressed and will not help you find the keys any quicker. Once you have settled down and regained confidence, look in your pockets, as well as other obvious places such as your laptop bag or purse that you carried. It's also an excellent idea to look into places you might not think to check like the floor of your home or inside your shoes.
Smart keys are available in the majority of modern automobiles. They emit an electronic signal when they come within range of the immobilizer system. They can be replaced by a dealer or certified locksmith, but they can also be expensive. If you are concerned about the expense of a key, consider the traditional key. These don't require an expensive chip and can be easily copied by locksmiths.
Making a claim on your car insurance for a lost key could be a bit complicated, and the process can take a long time. You'll also need to pay for the deductible, which could be more expensive than a replacement key. This is why it's not always worth it to file a car insurance claim for a lost key. However, it's still worth looking into your insurance provider's policies as well as optional riders to determine whether they provide protection for lost car keys.
Call Your Dealership
If you have an automobile with a smart key, or one that uses transponders to open your doors or start your engine, you'll need to contact your dealer for a replacement. The keys emit an electronic code that can be recognized by the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to communicate with the chip to unlock doors or start your engine. You will need to present proof of ownership to the dealer to replace your lost smart key.
The main downside to calling the dealership is that it's a time-consuming procedure. Dealerships have to be able work with thousands of customers each day. It's likely that you'll be left off the list unless you need urgent appointments or something else. The other downside is that the dealership will charge you a fee to replace your key. Your budget and personal preferences will determine if this is worth it.
Another option is to visit the locksmith. Local locksmiths are more efficient as you can usually speak directly to them. This can save you any unnecessary wait time and difficulties. In addition many auto locksmiths are available during off hours and will go to great lengths to assist you when the dealership may not be open.
The primary benefit of hiring a locksmith is that they are able to create a traditional car key right on the spot. This is a wonderful alternative to visiting the dealership, especially if are in a rush and need to go someplace. The main disadvantage of using a lock-smith is that they won't be able replace your smart key. If you are looking for the best option, call both an agent and a locksmith. The final decision will come down to your priorities in terms of service.
Call a locksmith
Car keys are among the most common things that people lose. They are light and small and can be tucked away in any pocket. However, they are easy to lose in the event that you don't know where to look. It is important to act fast in the event that you've lost your car keys. If you have a spare, you can try that first. You'll need a locksmith if you don't have an extra.
Even if it isn't possible to have the original key, a good NYC locksmith can design an alternative car key. It may take longer than visiting the dealer, but you'll pay less. If you do go to the dealership, be sure you bring proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
Before you call a locksmith, make sure to check thoroughly in every place where you might have put it. You may have put it 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 company right away If you are unable to locate your keys. Inform them of the incident in writing in order to ensure there is no chance that your claim will be denied later on.
Some companies, like AAA, will be in a position to assist you in finding the car that you lost keys to for a cost. However they can only offer a limited amount. If you lose your smart key, the dealer can only make an additional one for you.
A locksmith can provide an alternative that is much less expensive to a dealership. You will need to have the vehicle's make, model and year, as well as any documents proving ownership, such as an official title or registration to complete the job. If your key fob has gone lost, be prepared to wait for a couple of days before having it reprogrammed. The key fob transmits a code that your car recognizes, and if it is lost, you'll be capable of starting your car without it.