Lost Key in Car
It happens to everyone: you're rushing out of the door and your car keys go missing. It's likely that you have a spare key or can contact a locksmith create a new one for you.
It's easy to keep returning to the same spots that you are "sure" you put your keys in, however it's essential to go back through your steps and search thoroughly.
1. Retract Your Steps
Sometimes, you can lose your keys when you least would. You might lose your keys when you're running errands or when you return home from a long workday. It's easy to get overwhelmed in these situations, but it's important to relax and retrace your steps. This will help you determine where your keys might have gone and where to start looking.
If your steps don't retract or extend even with the ignition on you may need to replace a fuse or check the motor of the step. You can also tap the step motor using your hammer and see if it works.
2. Make Sure You've Checked Your Car
Losing your car keys can be a nightmare, especially when you have to get to a location in a hurry. It's essential to remain calm and repeat the steps you took to locate your keys.
The best place to begin is to go back to the last time you remembered having your keys. This is as simple as checking the pockets of your jacket or jeans. Also, you should check places that you might not think of checking like your shoes after a run, or on top of your fridge.
If you cannot find your keys, you may be able to locate someone to help you at a cheaper cost than a dealership. However, it is important to verify if your lost key is covered by your automobile insurance or warranty.
Transponder keys are used by the majority of modern vehicles to lock and unlock doors as well as to start the car. These keys have tiny chips that transmit an unique signal to the vehicle which can only be read by a scanner. Contact your dealer in the event that you own a key with a transponder. They can provide you with a new key and pair it with your vehicle. However, this could be costly and could take a while. Alternately, you could consider a Bluetooth key tracker, which is less expensive and functions similar to the standard key. These devices emit a radio signal that can be paired with an application on your smartphone, which allows you to track where your keys are.
3. Contact an expert locksmith
If you're a regular loss of keys It's a good idea to have an extra key in a place that is safe. This way, you'll have one to turn in the ignition whenever you need it. If lost my keys don't own an extra key, search online for keys from the aftermarket that work with your car. They are often less expensive than going to the dealer.
Your backpack or bag is another place to search for keys to your car that have been lost. Make sure you check every pocket, zippered section and small compartments. These pockets, zippered areas, and small compartments can hide keys that are difficult to locate. If you're not having any success in finding your keys, it's time to call locksmith.
Locksmiths are experts in replacing lost keys. They are typically able to create an entirely new key for your vehicle based on the information you provide them, such as your VIN number as well as the key's identification. Based on the type 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 can also ask the local dealership for help with your lost key. They can usually create an alternative chip for your vehicle, but the process can be more expensive than if you worked with an outside locksmith.
If your key contains a transponder, you'll have to go to the dealer or manufacturer to get a replacement. In this instance the manufacturer or dealer will have to design a key that matches your vehicle's current system and you'll need to prove ownership. This is easily prevented by working with an automotive locksmith who will most likely be able to provide you with a better price.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to head home, get into a comfy sweatshirt, order pizza and binge your favorite show. You've lost your keys. What a shock! Before you give up and start panicking check your car, the obvious spot you think they could be is. Also, check the sofa cushions, drawers and counters where you may have put them. This is the ideal time to clean up if you haven't already done so yet. Don't forget to go to your workplace and other places where you might have lost your keys in the past. Many times keys are handed over by employees or customers and may be waiting for you.
If you've done all this and still can't find your keys, it's time to call your insurance company. The insurer could pay for the replacement of your keys should you lose them. If you have roadside insurance, they can send you an locksmith. If you don't have roadside assistance you'll need to bring your vehicle into the dealership so that they can create a key using your vehicle's information. This could be expensive and can take a few days because the dealer needs to program your computer system.
To avoid this ensure you have a spare key on hand in the event of losing one. It is a good idea to make your spare key from the same type of key that you use for your car key. Also, think about getting a Bluetooth tracker for your key ring to help you find it. There are a variety of choices to choose from, including the Apple AirTag, Tiles or numerous others.
5. Call the police
One of the most frequent problems motorists face is lost keys to their car. If someone steals your car using your keys, it's not just a hassle, but also a security risk.
If you lose your keys, the best thing to do is retrace your steps and search carefully. Examine pockets, compartments, and bags that were used to carry. You can also seek the assistance of your family members and friends to look, as they have different perspectives and can detect things you might miss.
It's important that you contact the police right away if you can't locate your keys. This will help prevent any other crime in the meantime and aid you in the possibility of a claim for insurance if your car is stolen.
The police will let you know whether keys were returned to you after you have reported the loss. The police will usually inform you when keys were found.
You can speak to locksmiths if you're not satisfied with the response of the police. Many locksmiths will be able to create an entirely new car key for you, and some can even disable the old one to ensure that nobody is able to use it to steal your car. You could also contact your dealership for assistance for a chance to provide a similar service. It is advisable to check your insurance policy prior to making this call as certain policies provide for the cost of replacing a vehicle.