How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
It can be a major trouble to lose your car keys. There are a few steps you can do to prevent this from happening.
Traditional key chains and a tidying of your home or office are simple, but effective ways to keep your car keys secure. For more complex keys however, you'll need to contact your dealership or locksmith.
Retract your steps
Retracing your steps will help you locate your keys. This may appear like an old piece of advice but it is very helpful in finding lost items. The first step is to go back to the place you last looked for your keys. For instance, if dropped them while getting out of your vehicle, look around your garage and driveway to see if the keys are there. If you put them down on the table in the kitchen, be sure to check under all the things that could have fallen on it.
If retracing your steps does not work, you can write down everything you did throughout the day to trigger memories of where your keys might be. This could also help you to narrow your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
Losing keys is the most traumatic feeling particularly if you're late. It's easy to get distracted and absentmindedly set them down in your home, then forget where they are. This is why it's crucial to put your keys in the same spot when you've used them. This will become an automatic habit and you'll know exactly where to look for them in the future.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and checking common places you may have left keys. This includes counters, tables and hooks to hang keys. You can also look in pockets and bags to see if the items have been taken out.
Next, make sure to take a thorough look inside your vehicle. It's not unusual for people to store their keys in a compartment or bag in the car. If your keys have a fob, it's also recommended to remove the fob of its holder and check for any indication that it's fallen off.
It's recommended to constantly examine the home. Many people do not take off their keys prior to entering the house when they are wearing a coat. Examining your pockets and emptying your bags is an excellent starting point however, it's also worth looking around on the cushions of your sofa and checking under furniture to see whether they're there. It's probably time to call locksmiths if you haven't found your keys. If you're lucky they may 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 On
The best way to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle is to keeping a spare key in the glove box. You can still get into your car if you lose your key fob.
If you own a newer vehicle that is only equipped with keyless entry and push-button start then you'll be out of luck when your keys go missing. The reason for this is that the key fob is equipped with an element wireless that transmits an alert to the ignition in the event that it doesn't detect this signal the car won't turn on.
Many car makers have designed a fail-safe in their vehicles to avoid this issue. If the battery is dead within your key fob, it will not be able transmit the signal required to activate the vehicle's ignition. Certain cars have a hidden switch underneath the steering wheel which can be used with or without the key fob. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to turn on this switch.
A variety of different strategies are available to start the car with an unresponsive key fob however, it's usually dangerous and risky. Certain methods require the hammer and screwdriver to try to open the ignition, while others use a method known as hot wiring, which involves rerouting the battery wires in order to get the engine started. It is recommended to leave this task to a professional auto mechanic, who will have the required equipment. In lost car key replacement of cases, an expert will have to take out several modules to gain access to the security components. The last option is to have the dealer program a new key fob to be paired with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is recommended to contact your insurance company as soon as you lose your keys. This will help to prevent anyone from attempting to use the lost keys and give you peace of. If you don't report your car keys missing in time, you could discover that someone else has used them and left damage to your vehicle doors or ignition.
It's a pity that car thefts are increasing particularly when the owner has hid their keys inside the vehicle. Luckily, some insurers provide key replacement coverage as an optional add-on to their comprehensive insurance policies. The cost and requirements of this coverage can vary from one policy to the next.
Most companies cover a small portion of the cost to replace the key fob, and this can be a costly proposition. It's more expensive to replace a smart key, which can open doors or start your car. If this is the case, you may be interested in a different option such as a roadside service plan which includes locksmith.
It is also advisable to check with the manufacturer of your vehicle to see if they can provide replacement fobs in case you lose them. Some brands sell them directly and will even attach a replacement to your car in the dealership. These services are less expensive than having your car tow by the dealer and could be much faster as well. However, you should always take into account the cost of your deductible when you are considering these options.
Contact a locksmith
There are a variety of reasons you might lose your car keys. The best way to stop this from happening is by keeping an extra key on hand, or using one of the many Bluetooth key trackers that are available. This will help you find your car in a matter of seconds, thereby saving you money on a locksmith as well as returning the vehicle for the dealer.
If you do end up losing your car keys, it is essential to report the loss immediately. This will help to ensure that the keys aren't stolen or used by anyone else. This will ensure that you are covered by your insurance provider in the event of an insurance claim.
If you lose your car keys, the very first step is to look them up in all the usual places where they are found. Then, you can contact a professional locksmith to make a replacement. They will usually be able to do this on the spot, and they will use the latest technology to create a duplicate key and then program it.
It is essential to hire an experienced locksmith with the required experience in creating these types of replacement keys. They should have the necessary tools to be able to remove stuck or bent keys without causing further damage. They must also be able to offer a warranty on their work.
Some dealerships can create new keys for customers, however it will cost more than using an outside locksmith. You should also check whether your insurance covers the cost of a locksmith or locksmith.