How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep this from occurring.
Keep your car keys safe by using traditional key chains or by decluttering your home or office. For more complex keys, however, you will have to call your dealership or a locksmith.
Retract your Steps
You can often find your keys by following your steps. This may sound like the most old-fashioned piece of advice but it can be very useful in locating lost items. The first step is to go back to where you last had your keys. For example, if you lost them in the process of getting out of your car, check your garage and driveway to see if they are there. If you place them on the kitchen table make sure you look under all the things that may have fallen on it.
If retracing steps does not work, write down what you did during the day to aid you in locating where your keys could be. This could also help you to narrow your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
Losing your keys is a terrible feeling, especially if you're running late. It's easy for you to get distracted, and then set them down in a random spot at home. This is why it's essential to put your keys in the same spot after you use them. That way they'll become a habit and you'll know where to find them in the future.
Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and examining common places where you might have left keys. This includes tables, counters and hooks for keys. Also, look inside bags and pockets to see if any have been taken out.
Next, check the interior of your vehicle. lost key to car 's not common for people to put their keys in a bag or compartment inside their car. It's a good idea if your keys come with an ID card, to take the fob from its holder to check if it has fallen out.
It's also an excellent idea to look around the inside of the house. Many people lose their keys when they're wearing coats and don't remember to remove them before they enter the home. Checking your pockets and emptying any bags you have is the best place to start but you should also consider feeling around in the cushions of your sofa and checking under the furniture to determine whether keys are there. It may be time to call an expert locksmith if you've not found your keys. If you're fortunate they might be able to assist you in finding your keys. If not, they're likely to be lost forever and you'll have to buy a new set.
Try turning the car off.
Keep an extra car key in your glove box to prevent being locked out. This will allow you to get back into your car, even if you lost your key fob.
If you have a newer car that has only keyless entry and push-button start, then you will be in a bind when your keys go missing. The reason is that the keyfob is equipped with an electronic component that transmits an alert to the ignition. If it doesn't receive this signal and the car won't turn on.
To overcome this issue, a lot of automakers have built fail-safes in their vehicles. If the battery fails within your key fob, it will not be able to send the signal required to activate the ignition of the vehicle. Some vehicles have a hidden switch beneath the steering wheel which can be used without the key fob. Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle for instructions on how to activate the switch.
There are a few ways to start a car using dead batteries. However, it is a challenging task that can be dangerous. Some techniques use an open-ended screwdriver to start the ignition while others use hot wiring, a method that reroutes the battery wires to start the engine. It is best to leave these techniques to an auto expert, who will have the necessary equipment. In most cases, this will also require the expert to remove a few modules from the car in order to access the correct security elements. The dealer can program an additional remote to pair with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is recommended to contact your insurance company as soon as you lose your keys. This will prevent anyone from trying to use the keys they lost and will give you peace of mind. If you don't report the missing keys to your car at the time you should, you may find that someone has taken them and caused damage to your vehicle doors or ignition.
Car thefts are on an upward trend, especially when the owner has left keys in the car. Fortunately, some insurance companies offer key replacement coverage as an optional rider to their comprehensive insurance policies. However, the price and conditions for this coverage could differ from policy to policy.
Most companies only cover a limited amount of the cost for replacing the key fob, and this can be an expensive proposition. If you have a key with a smart chip that can open your doors or start the engine, it could be even more costly to replace. In this instance it is worth considering alternatives such as a roadside assist plan that includes locksmith.
It is also advisable to check with the manufacturer of your vehicle to see if they offer replacement fobs for lost ones. Some brands sell them directly and can even connect a new one to your vehicle in the dealership. These services can be less expensive than having your car towed into the dealership, and they can be quicker and more efficient, too. However, you should always factor in the cost of your deductible before weighing these options.
Call an expert locksmith
There are many possible reasons why you could lose your car keys. Keep a spare car key handy or make use of one of the numerous Bluetooth trackers that are readily available to prevent this. This will help you find your car within seconds, saving you money on a locksmith as well as an extra tow at the dealer.
Report the incident as soon you can if you lose your car keys. This will ensure that the keys don't get stolen or used by anyone else. It will also help to ensure that your insurance company can give you the proper protection should you have to make an claim.
If you lose your car keys, the first thing to do is search for them thoroughly in all of the usual locations where they can be found. You can then contact a professional locksmith to make the replacement. They will usually complete the task on site, and they will make use of the most recent technologies to create an identical key and program it for you.
It is also crucial to know that you must only work with a locksmith who has experience in making these kinds of keys replacement. They should be equipped with the appropriate tools to remove stuck or bent keys without further damaging them. They should be able to offer you a guarantee for their work.
Some dealerships can create new keys for customers, but it is more expensive than hiring an outside locksmith. It is also important to see if your car insurance policy covers the cost of a locksmith, or a new key from the dealership.