How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
It can be a real trouble to lose your car keys. There are a few steps you can do to prevent this from happening.
Secure your car keys by using traditional key chains or by decluttering your home or office. For more complicated keys however, you'll need to contact your dealership or a locksmith.
Retract your steps
It is common to locate your keys by retracing your steps. This may seem like a dated tip, but it is extremely useful in locating lost objects. The first step is to return to the last place you remember seeing your keys. If you accidentally dropped your keys when getting out of the car, check your driveway and garage. Look under all the things that might have fallen on the table, if you dropped them.
If retracing steps doesn't work, write down everything you did that day to aid in remembering where your keys could be. This may also narrow your search.
Check Your Hide Spots
Losing keys is the most traumatic feeling especially if you're late. It's easy to lose focus and absentmindedly set them down somewhere in your house, then forget where they are. It is important to put your keys back in the same spot after you've used them. This will make it a habit and you'll know exactly where to look for them in the future.
When you're trying to find your keys, begin by retracing your steps, and looking for the usual places you may have placed them down. This includes tables, counters, and hooks for keys. You can also check your pockets and bags for any items that have been taken out.
Then, car keys lost replacement should check the inside of your vehicle. It's not unusual for people to store their keys in a compartment or bag in the car. If your keys have fobs, it's an excellent idea to remove the fob of its holder and check the area around it to determine if it has fallen off.
It's an excellent idea to regularly check the home. Many people lose their keys when wearing a coat and don't remember to remove them before they enter the home. Checking your pockets and emptying your bags is an excellent place to start however, it's also worth feeling around in the cushions on your couch and looking underneath furniture to see whether they're there. It's probably the right time to call a locksmith if you haven't found your keys. If you're lucky, they'll be in a position to assist you in finding keys. If not, it's likely that they have been lost for good and you'll have to purchase a replacement set.
Try turning the car off.
Keep an extra car key in your glove compartment to avoid being locked out. This will enable you to get back into your car, even if your key fob.
If you've lost your keys and you're in a bind, you're out of luck. The reason for this is that the key fob is equipped with an electronic element that wirelessly transmits an alert to the ignition and if it fails to detect this signal, the car won't turn on.
Many car manufacturers have installed a fail-safe in their vehicles to avoid this problem. If the battery is dead within your key fob, it will no longer be able transmit the signal required to turn on the ignition of your vehicle. However, some cars have a switch hidden underneath the steering wheel that is able to be turned without the keys fobs. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to turn on this switch.
There are several methods to start a car with dead batteries. But, it's a challenging task that can be dangerous. Certain methods use screws to open the ignition while others use hot wiring, a technique that redirects the battery wires to start the engine. It is best to leave this task to an auto technician, who will have the necessary equipment. In the majority of instances, the expert will have to take out several modules to gain access to the security elements. The last option is to have the dealer program a new key fob to pair with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company right away after you lose your keys. This will stop anyone from using the keys you lost and provide you with peace of mind. If you don't report missing car keys at the time you should, you may find that someone has used them and left damage to your vehicle doors or ignition.
Car thefts are on a rising trend, especially when the driver leaves keys in the car. Fortunately, some insurance companies offer key replacement coverage as an optional rider to their comprehensive insurance policies. The price and requirements for this coverage can vary from one insurance policy to the next.
Most companies will only cover a tiny portion of the cost for an entirely new key fob. This can be very expensive. If you have a key with a smart chip that opens your doors or start the engine, this can be more expensive to replace. If this is the case, you might want to consider an alternative like a roadside assistance plan which includes the locksmith.
You should also check with the car's manufacturer to find out if they provide replacements for lost fobs. Certain brands sell them directly and may even attach a replacement to your vehicle at the dealership. These services are less expensive than getting your car towed to the dealership and can be much faster and more efficient, too. However, it is important to take into account the cost of your deductible when you are considering these options.
Contact a locksmith
There are a myriad of reasons you may lose your car keys. Keep a spare car key handy or make use of one of the many Bluetooth trackers that are available to avoid this. This will help you find your car in a matter of seconds, saving you money on a locksmith and an extra tow at the dealer.
If you do end up losing your car keys, it is essential to report the incident immediately. This will ensure that your keys are not taken away or used by anyone else. It will also help ensure that your insurance provider can provide you with the right coverage if you need to make a claim.
If you lose your car keys, the first thing to do is check thoroughly for them in all the usual locations where they can be found. You can then contact an expert locksmith to create an appropriate replacement. They can usually do this on the spot and they'll use the latest technology to create a duplicate key and then program it.
It is also important to be aware that you must only work with an experienced locksmith in the production of these types of keys replacement. They must have the tools to be able to take out stuck or bent keys without causing further damage. They should be able to offer you a guarantee on their work.
Some dealerships can create new keys for their customers, but this will cost more than working with an outside locksmith. It is also important to see the insurance policy of your car will cover the cost of a locksmith, or a new key from the dealership.