Lost Key in Car
You're in a rush to leave the house and your keys disappear. You should have a spare key or can call a locksmith to make you a new key.
It's easy for you to return to the same places you're "sure" you have your keys, but you should take a second look and thoroughly search.
1. Retract your steps
You can lose your keys at any moment. You might lose your keys when you're running errands or when you return home after a long day at work. In these instances it's not uncommon for you to panic. But it's important to calm yourself and retrace all your steps. This will help you identify the place where your keys could have gone and where to start looking.
If your steps don't retract or extend even with the ignition turned on, you may require replacing the fuse or test the step motor. You can also tap the step motor using your hammer to test whether it works.
2. Make Sure You've Checked Your Car
It's a major hassle to lose your keys to your car, especially when you have to go somewhere quickly. It's important to stay calm and retrace your steps until you can locate them.
Start by thinking about the last moment you remembered having your keys. It's as easy as examining the pockets of your jacket or jeans. It's also a good idea to check places that you wouldn't typically think to look, like your shoe if you went for a run, or the top of your fridge.
If you can't locate your keys, you may be able find someone to help you at a cheaper cost than a dealership. You should check first to see if the lost key is covered by your vehicle warranty or insurance.
Transponder keys can be 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 individual signal to the vehicle which can only be read by a scanner. Contact your car dealer in the event that you own an ignition key that has a transponder. They'll be able to provide you with a replacement key and pair it with your vehicle. However, this is costly and could take some time. You can also make use of a Bluetooth keytracker, which functions like a regular key and is less expensive. These devices emit a signal you can connect to an app on your phone, which will show you where your keys are.
3. Contact a locksmith
It's a good idea keep a spare set keys in a secure place if you lose your keys often. You'll always have a spare key to utilize when you require it. If you don't have an extra key, search on the internet for keys that will work with your vehicle. These are often cheaper than going to the dealer.
Another location to search for your car key that has been lost is your backpack or handbag. Be sure to check the pockets, zippered sections, and even small compartments. Sometimes keys are accidentally slipped inside these places, and they can be very hard to find. If you're having no success in finding your keys you need to contact an locksmith.
Car locksmiths are experts in replacing keys lost . They will usually be capable of creating an entirely new key for your vehicle based on the information you provide them like your VIN number as well as key identification. Based on the type of key you have they might also be able to reprogram the immobilizer system, which will stop the car from beginning if a wrong key is used.
You can also contact the local dealership for help with your lost keys. They will usually design chips to replace your car, however the process could be more costly than if you used an outside locksmith.
If your key has a transponder, you'll have to go to the manufacturer or dealer to request an alternative. In this case, they will have create the new key to pair with your vehicle's existing system and you'll have to prove ownership. You can get around this by hiring an auto locksmith, who may be able to give you an improved price.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
It's been a long day and you're eager to go home, change into some comfy sweatpants take a pizza to watch your favorite show. You've lost your keys. That's a pity! Before you give up and begin panicking, make sure you check your car, the obvious place that you think they are is. Also take a look at the couch cushions, and in the cabinets and counters in which you might have placed them down. Now is the perfect time to tidy up if you haven't already done yet. Also, don't forget look around at your workplace and other places in which you might have misplaced your keys in the past. Sometimes keys are handed in by employees or customers, and may be waiting for you.
If you've done all of this and are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call your insurance company. The insurer could pay for the replacement of your keys if you lose them. If you have roadside assistance coverage, they can send a locksmith to help you. If you don't have roadside assistance, you'll need to bring your vehicle into the dealership so that they can make a key using your vehicle information. This could be costly and can take a few days because the dealership has to program the key into your computer system.
To avoid this issue, always keep 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 kind of key as your car key. You might want to consider getting a Bluetooth tracker to help you locate your key ring. There are several choices to choose from such as the Apple AirTag, Tiles or many more.
5. Call the Police
Keys to your car are among of the most common problems that motorists are faced with. If someone steals your car with your key, it's not just a problem, but also a security risk.
If you've lost your keys, the best thing to do is to go back your steps and look carefully. Look through pockets, compartments and bags that were used to carry. You can also ask friends and family to help you look. They might have an alternative perspective and may be able to spot things that aren't visible.
If you are still unable to locate your keys, it's important to notify the police as quickly as you can. This will stop other crimes in the meantime. It will also help you with the possibility of a claim for insurance if your car is stolen.
After you've reported the loss, the police will be able to let you know if your keys were returned. Sometimes people will leave them on the streets or in public parks, and police will usually inform you that they've been located.
If you're not happy with the response of the police, you can always contact a locksmith. Some locksmiths can create a new key for you and others can disable the old key to stop anyone from taking your vehicle. You could also contact the dealership that you bought your car from for a chance to offer a similar service. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before doing this as certain policies cover the cost of replacing a vehicle.