How to Find a Lost Car Key
Nothing can ruin your day quite like losing your car keys. It leads to a strange dance of pocket-emptying, couch cushion-flipping and garbage bag rummaging — all while your heart starts racing. Even worse, most car insurers do not cover lost car key, which can be a huge inconvenience and expense. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and remedy the problem.
First, retrace your steps. Chances are that you lost the keys while doing something else and forgot to bring them with you. If you were at a restaurant or a store, ask the employees if they found any items that might belong to you. You can also try calling the location that you went to and see if they have a lost and found department. This method is time-consuming, but it can be effective.
Next, check your purse or bags. It’s easy to absentmindedly drop a small item, such as a key fob, into a purse or bag and then forget about it. If you have a small zippered bag, be sure to remove everything from it and look inside thoroughly. Also, be sure to check the tiny spaces that are big enough for a key fob to get wedged into.
If you’ve emptied your pockets, checked your purse or bag and still can’t find your keys, ask a friend or family member to help you search. They may have seen it laying around or handing it to you as you walked out the door. A group search is much more effective than trying to find your keys alone.
Another option is to use a Bluetooth key tracker, which is essentially a mini-GPS that attaches to your keys and emits a signature so you can locate them. These devices are available at most automotive stores and online.
Lastly, you can call an auto locksmith or your roadside assistance service and have them create a new key for you. While this isn’t the cheapest option, it is usually the fastest and most straightforward.
It is possible to have a new key made by the car manufacturer, but you will need proof of ownership and identity before they can do so. You can typically provide this by showing a V5C form with your name on it, though some dealers require more official documentation. You can also hire a specialist automotive locksmith, who will create a blank, generic key that can be programmed for your vehicle, but they will charge you for their services. Be sure to compare prices before choosing a service. You should also be aware that some car insurance providers offer a lost-key coverage as an add-on to their policies. Be sure to check your policy to see if you have this coverage before going through the trouble of getting a replacement key. These companies can typically disable the old key so it can’t be used to steal your vehicle. This will prevent you from being scammed by thieves and keep you from spending unnecessary money.lost car key