How to Find a Lost Key Car
One of the most common things to misplace is a car key. This can be a huge inconvenience if you have no spare key.
The good news is that the majority of keys can be replaced inexpensively. But, it's better to start the search right away. Keep calm, retrace your steps, and do a thorough search.
Retract Your Steps
If you've ever lost your car keys and you've experienced it, you'll know it can be a stressful situation. If you were out running errands and left them in the car or you misplaced keys in the chaos of getting out of the door it occurs to all of us. Luckily, there are a few steps you can follow to help find the key you lost.
First take care to remain calm. Doing anything to help you locate your keys any faster and will only make the situation even worse. Make a conscious effort to remember the last time you had keys in your hand or where you might have seen them last. You may also look in the area you believe you found your keys by looking at the ground, in bushes or under floor mats.
Another thing you can do is write down all the places you've been throughout the day in case your memory doesn't come through for you. If you don't have a pen or paper it's a good idea to walk around your house or the places you went to throughout the day, examining every pocket of your bags, clothes and other items for the second time.
If you have an extra key, now is the time to use it. This will spare you many frustration and stress in the short-term and you won't need to contact an agent or locksmith to get a replacement key.
If you don't have a spare now is the perfect time to contact your local police department and inquire for any lost or found keys that have been handed in from the surrounding area. Sometimes people turn in their lost car keys and are waiting to be taken care of by the appropriate person. This is especially true when your vehicle is old and does not have an integrated tracking system like the latest models. A professional locksmith will replace your keys quickly and efficiently providing you with peace of mind.
Call Your Insurance Company
It's true that losing your keys can be annoying. It's not only a hassle, it costs you money. The good news is that many insurance companies offer key protection for cars that can help you save the expense of replacing your lost keys. Make sure to check your policy prior to making an insurance claim to ensure your keys are covered.
It can be a challenge to get a replacement for your lost car keys if you don't have an extra. If you have the key code or VIN number of your vehicle, a locksmith or dealer can make a copy for you. If you have roadside assistance coverage the service will typically be provided for free.
Take a deep breath and calm yourself down if you can't find your car keys. Being anxious will only make you more frustrated and won't aid in finding them faster. After you've recovered your calm, go through your pockets as well as other obvious places like the laptop bag or purse that you were carrying. You should also look at places you wouldn't normally think of, like your home's flooring or inside your shoes.
Modern cars are stocked with smart keys, which emit an electronic signal when they're within the range of the immobilizer system. They can be replaced by a dealership or a authorized locksmith however, they can be costly. If you're worried about the cost of a new key, look into a traditional one instead. These keys don't need an expensive chip, and can be easily duplicated by a locksmith.
Making a claim on your car insurance for a lost key could be difficult and will take time. You will also have to pay an deductible that can be much more expensive than the cost of a replacement car key. This is why it's not always worth it to file a car insurance claim for a lost car key. It is worth looking over the policies and optional riders of your insurance provider to determine if there's protection for keys lost.
Call Your Dealership
If you have an automobile with a smart key, or one that utilizes transponders to unlock your doors or start the engine, you'll have to contact your dealer to request an alternative. The keys emit an electronic code that is recognized by the vehicle, allowing it to communicate with the chip to unlock or start your engine. If your smart key has been lost, you'll need to show proof of ownership to a dealership employee to get it replaced.
The biggest drawback to calling the dealership is that it's a lengthy process. Dealerships have to handle thousands of people each day, and you'll likely be pushed to the bottom of the list unless you have an appointment or a urgent need. Dealerships also charge you a fee for replacing your key. The decision on whether or not this is worth the cost will depend on your preferences and your budget.
A locksmith is another alternative. A local locksmith is more efficient because they're typically one person you can contact and speak to directly. This can help you avoid any unnecessary wait time and hassles. Many auto locksmiths will be available to assist you, even when the dealership is closed.
The primary benefit of hiring a locksmith is that they can create a standard car key on the spot. This is a wonderful alternative to visiting a dealership, especially if are in a rush and have to get somewhere. The main disadvantage of utilizing a locksmith is that they aren't able to replace your smart key. If you're looking for the best option to make a call, you should contact both a dealer and a locksmith. In the end, it is based on what you are most satisfied with in your service experience.
Contact a locksmith
It is common for people to lose their car keys. They are light, small and can be tucked away in almost every pocket, but they can be very difficult to find when you don't know where to look for them. It is crucial to act swiftly if you have lost your car key. Begin by using your spare. You'll require a locksmith if don't have a spare.
Even if you do not have the original, a good NYC locksmith can design a replacement car key. It might take a bit longer than going to the dealer, but you'll pay less. If you decide to visit a dealership, bring along evidence of ownership, like the registration or title.
Before you call a locksmith, make sure that you thoroughly check every spot where you could have put it. You may have put it in the cupholder or under the seat. You might have dropped it and forgotten about it.
If you can't find your keys, call your insurance company as soon as you can. In order to avoid rejection of your claim, you should notify them in writing.
Some companies, like AAA, will be in a position to assist you in finding the car that you lost keys to for a fee. They can only do an amount of time. If you've lost a smart key, they'll create a replacement at the dealership.
Locksmiths can be an alternative that is much less expensive to a dealership. Make sure you have the necessary information needed to do the job like the model, year and make of your vehicle, as well as proof that you are the owner of the vehicle, like an official title or registration. If your key fob is lost you'll need to wait several days for it to be changed. The key fob transmits a code that your car can recognize, and if lost, you'll not be capable of starting your vehicle without it.