How to Locate a Key Car Lost

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

It doesn't matter if it's a standard key or a more advanced car key fob, it's essential to report the loss as soon as you can. Here's how. This will prevent anyone from taking your car keys.

Retract Your Steps

If you lose something that is important like keys it can be extremely stressful and even panic-inducing. However, there are ways to retrace your steps and find the item. The first thing to do is remember where you last visited the key car to know where to start your search. Next, consider where you went after that.

You can also track your key fob using the GPS device. However, this only works in the event that your vehicle has an electronic component and does not have a traditional key.

Try to imagine your day Close your eyes and try to recall the last time you remember seeing the keys. This can help bring up clues to the location where they went missing.

Another great way to retrace your steps is using a flashlight to look around the area in which you suspect they could be. This is particularly useful when your clothes are dark or you're parked in an area with shade. You can also ask your friends and family members to help locate your keys. They can give you a fresh pair of eyes to be able to spot things you missed.

If you're having trouble with your coach's steps remaining extended (even when the step switch is off) then you should purchase a small bar magnet and attach it to the screen door sensor on the door frame. This will signal to the system that the sensor on the screen is closed and the steps will be retracted. This solution is also useful if you wish to keep the steps retracted when your vehicle is being stored at a dealer.

Call the Dealership


It can be a hassle to lose your keys. You could spend hours retracing your steps and searching for them in your office, house or other places you might have left them. Eventually, you have to accept the fact that the keys to your car are gone and you'll have to contact help. This can be done through a dealer or a locksmith. Based on your particular situation and the type of key you own one of these options may be more suitable than the other.

In general, car dealerships have the ability to make replacement keys for the vehicles they sell. They also have access to more details about the vehicle than a locksmith would, such as details about the way in which the vehicle is secured. This makes them the most suitable option for certain kinds of vehicles particularly if your keys have a transponder or other security features. However, it is important to remember that a dealership will be more expensive than a locksmith.

Certain cars have an electronic smart key with an embedded chip. This chip communicates directly with the computer in the car. This allows drivers to open and start the car without having a traditional key. If you lose this type of key, it's recommended to contact the dealership to get the replacement. Before they can create a new key, they'll require proof of ownership as well as your identity to confirm. The dealer will also need to connect the new chip with the car's computer, which could take a few days.

It is a good idea to have a spare smart key in your pocket, as you might be able to access the vehicle with it if you can't get into the dealership immediately. Another option is to ask your insurance provider if this type of loss is covered by your policy. If it is covered, they'll provide you with an alternative and could be able track the location of your vehicle. They can even send a tow truck to bring the vehicle back and return it to you.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The loss of keys to your car was not a big problem until recently. You might have kept a spare connected to your car in a little box or on your keychain and if you lost the one you always had, you simply went out and bought a new. Richard Reina is the training director at CARiD. He claims that cars are more advanced today and require more sophisticated keys, which are more difficult to lose and more costly to replace. You may have to visit a dealer or locksmith depending on the year, make and model of your car.

Generally locksmiths are the cheaper option for most people, and they are able to make a new key for you within a few minutes. Some people choose to call their insurance company to inquire whether roadside assistance can cover the cost of a new key.

Unfortunately, most auto insurance policies do not cover stolen or lost keys to cars. Although some policies may include add-on coverage that does but it's rare. Roadside assistance can be another option. However, it generally only covers the cost if you lock the keys inside your vehicle. It does not cover the cost of replacing the key.

For electronic fobs, you'll have to head to the dealership to have a new key made. This process involves pairing an entirely new chip to the vehicle, and you'll need to show proof of ownership, such as your registration number or title. This is an additional cost which could cost you a couple hundred dollars or more, and may take longer than working with a local locksmith.

Certain homeowner insurance policies offer additional coverage for keys to the house and garage door openers, but not many car insurance companies have this feature in their policy options. If you have this option, it's worth checking with your provider and comparing prices to find the best price. It's important to inform your insurance company that you've lost the keys so they can check their records. They will then notify you if the car is reported stolen.

Contact the Police

In the past losing or misplacing your car keys was not an issue. Locksmiths could cut a new car key on the spot. Now, cars are much more advanced in technology and keys can be quite expensive to replace.

It is recommended to first start by filing a police complaint. This will help them find the person responsible, and it will also make it easier for your to prove that your keys were stolen. You'll need to provide basic information, like the model and make of your vehicle, as well as your address and name. You may be required to show proof of ownership, like a V5C form that has your name on it.

If you have a spare, you should try to find it. Sometimes, they are stored in places accessible to the public like a jacket's back pocket or the purse you carry when you leave home. You might ask around to find if anyone has seen it, such as roommates or family. Also, you should look into public areas such as libraries and restaurants. These areas often collect keys that have been discovered and then returned, and you might be lucky enough to find yours among them.

You may also wish to consult a professional auto locksmith, if you are able to afford it. They can usually reprogram keys without the original key and even disable the original one so that no-one else has the ability to steal your car. It is possible to dismantle a part of the ignition to do this. However, it is worth it if you have had your vehicle stolen.

There's no way to predict when your car keys will be lost, but it's best to plan for the worst. Follow these tips to reduce your chance of being a victim. Also, be lost vehicle key replacement to keep a spare key handy at all times. You never know when a spare key could save your life. Emma, blogger and owner of a car at CarsBlog wrote this article.