Lost Key in Car
You’re in a rush to leave your home and you’ve noticed that your keys vanish. You might have an extra car key or you can call a locksmith in the area to make an original key.
It’s easy to keep returning to the same spots that you are “sure” you have put your keys, but it’s important to retrace your steps and do a thorough search.
1. Retract Your Steps
You could lose your keys at any time. It can happen while running errands or coming home after a long day at work. In these instances it’s not uncommon to become anxious. It’s crucial to calm yourself and go back through your steps. This will help you figure out the location where your keys may be and where to start looking.
If your steps don’t retract or extend even with the ignition turned on, you might require replacing the fuse or test the motor of the step. You can also try tapping the motor with an hammer to determine if that works – it often does.
2. Check Your Car
It’s not easy to lose your keys to your car, especially when you have to go to a location quickly. It’s vital to remain calm and retrace the steps you’ve taken to locate your keys.
The best place to begin is by going back to the last time you remember having your keys. Examining the pockets of your jacket or jeans could be enough. It is also advisable to check other places that you might not consider checking for example, your shoe after a workout or on top of your fridge.
If you can’t find your keys, consider calling a locksmith or searching on the internet for “car key replacement near me.” You might be able to find someone who can help out for less than the dealership. You should check first to determine if the key you Lost car keys cost to replace is covered under your vehicle warranty or insurance.
Transponder keys are used in most modern cars to lock and unlock doors as well as to start the car. These keys contain tiny chips that transmit an unique signal to the vehicle which can only be read by a scanner. Contact your dealer if you have keys with transponders. They can provide you with the key and link it up with your vehicle. It can be costly and take some time. Alternately, you could consider a Bluetooth key tracker, which is much less expensive and works similarly to a regular key. These devices emit a radio signal that can be linked to an app on your smartphone, which will allow you to see where your keys are.
3. Call a Locksmith
If you’re a regular key-loser it’s recommended to keep an extra key in a place that is secure. So, you’ll always have a spare key to turn on the ignition when you need it. If you don’t have a spare, try looking online for second-hand keys that will work with your car. These are often cheaper than visiting the dealer.
Another spot to search for your car key that has been lost is in your handbag or backpack. Be sure to check the pockets, zippered sections, and small compartments. These pockets, zippered areas, and small compartments can hide keys that are difficult to find. If you’re having no luck in finding your key then it’s time to contact locksmith.
Car locksmiths are skilled at replacing lost keys. They are typically capable of creating a new key for your vehicle based on the information you give them, such as your VIN number and the key’s identification. Based on the type of key you have, they may also be able of reprogramming the immobilizer system, which will prevent it from beginning if a wrong key is used.
You can also contact the local dealer for assistance with your lost key. They can usually create a replacement chip for your vehicle, but the process may be more expensive than if you used an outside locksmith.
If your key is equipped with a transponder, you’ll need to visit the dealer or manufacturer to get an alternative. In this case the manufacturer or dealer will need to create a key that matches your vehicle’s current system and you’ll need proof of ownership. This can be avoided by working with an auto locksmith who will likely be able offer you a better price.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
You’ve had a long and exhausting day. You are looking forward to going home, slip on some comfortable sweatpants and order a pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You’ve lost key to car your keys. What a bummer! Check your car first, because that’s the most obvious place to check. Also check the cushions on your couch and in the cabinets and counters where you might have put them. This is the ideal time to tidy up if you haven’t already done yet. Don’t forget to look at your workplace and other areas you may have lost keys in the past. Many times, keys are handed in by customers or employees and may be waiting for you.
Call your insurance company after you’ve tried all of this but are unable to find your keys. The insurer may pay for the replacement of your keys should you lose them. If you have roadside assistance coverage, they can send a locksmith to help you. If not, you will be required to bring your car to the dealer, who will create a new key based on your vehicle’s information. This can be expensive and can take several days as the dealership needs to program it into your computer system.
Always keep a spare car key on hand in case you misplace 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, consider getting a Bluetooth tracker for your key ring to help you find it. There are many options, such as Apple AirTags, Tiles and others.
5. Call the Police
One of the most frequent issues faced by motorists is losing car keys. It’s not just a hassle but also an extremely risky security issue in the event that someone steals your keys and tries to take it away from your car.
If you’ve lost your keys, the best thing to do is to retrace all your steps and look carefully. Check pockets, compartments, and even bags that were carried. You can also ask the assistance of family members and friends to take a look, since they have different perspectives and are able to spot things that you may overlook.
If you’re still having trouble finding your keys, it’s crucial to inform the police as quickly as you can. This will prevent any other crimes from occurring in the meantime and it will also assist with the possibility of a claim for insurance in the event of your car being stolen.
The police will notify you whether keys were returned to you after you have reported the loss. Sometimes people will leave them on the streets or at public parks, and police will usually notify you when they’ve found them.
You can speak to a locksmith if you are not satisfied with the police’s response. The majority of locksmiths are capable of creating a new car key for you, and some will even disable the previous one to ensure nobody is able to use it to take your vehicle. You can also try contacting your car dealership for a chance to provide the same service. It is best to check your insurance policy first because certain policies will cover the cost.