How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be a major headache. There are some ways to avoid this.
Traditional key chains and a tidying of your office or home are easy, yet efficient methods to keep your car keys secure. For more complex keys, however, you will have to call your dealership or a locksmith.
Retract Your Steps
Retracing your steps can help you find your keys. This might sound like an old tip, but it is extremely useful in locating lost items. The first step is to return to the last location you recall having your keys. For example, if you lost them in the process of getting out of your vehicle, look around your garage and driveway to see if they're there. Look under all the things that could have fallen onto the table, if you dropped them.
If retracing steps does not work, record everything you did that day to help you remember where your keys may be. This may also narrow your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's the worst feeling to lose your keys, particularly when you're running late. It's easy to get distracted, and then leave them in a random spot at home. It's important to put your keys back in the same place after you've used them. This way they will become a routine and you know where to find them in the future.
Start by retracing the steps you followed and checking common places you may have left your keys. This includes tables, counters and hooks to hang keys. Also, look inside bags and pockets to see if the items have been taken out.
Then, look around the inside of your car. Many people store their keys inside the compartment or bag of their car. It's a good idea, if your keys come with an ID card, to take the fob from its holder in order to determine whether it's gone missing.
In the end, it's recommended to inspect the property itself. Many people lose their keys when wearing a coat and don't remember to remove them before they enter the house. Begin by looking through your pockets and bags. You can also feel around under furniture and in couch cushions to determine if you have lost them. It may be the right time to call an expert locksmith if you've not found your keys. If you're fortunate they might be able to help you retrieve your keys. If not, it's likely that they have been lost for good and you'll have to purchase an additional set.
Try turning off the car
Keep an extra car key in your glove box to avoid being locked out. You are still able to get into your car if you lose 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 contains an electronic element that wirelessly transmits a signal to the ignition and if it fails to detect this signal, the car won't turn on.
Many car makers have designed a fail-safe in their vehicles to avoid this problem. If the battery inside the key fob fails it will not be capable of transmitting the signal needed to turn on the engine of the car. However, certain cars have a switch that is hidden beneath the steering wheel that can be turned without using keys fobs. Consult your owner’s manual for directions on how to turn on the switch.
A variety of different strategies can be used to begin the car using a dead key fob however, it's usually dangerous and risky. Some techniques use screws to open the ignition, while others employ hot wiring, a technique which reroutes the battery's wires to start the engine. Trying these methods is often best left to an auto expert who will have all the necessary equipment. In most cases, this will also require the expert to remove some of the security components from the car in order to access the appropriate security components. The last option is to have the dealer program an entirely new key fob that will connect to your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is recommended to contact your insurance company when you lose your keys. This will prevent someone from attempting to use the keys they lost and provide you with peace of mind. If you don't report keys missing in time, someone could have used them to damage the ignition or doors of your vehicle.
It's a pity that car thefts are on the rise especially when the owner has left their keys in the car. Certain insurance companies offer the key replacement rider as an alternative to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. However, the price and requirements for this coverage can vary from one policy to the next.
Most companies will only cover a tiny amount of the cost of an entirely new key fob. This can be incredibly expensive. If lost key car have a key with a smart chip that opens your doors or even start your engine, this can be more expensive to replace. If this is the case, you might want to consider an alternative like a roadside service plan that includes a locksmith.
It is also advisable to check with the car's manufacturer to find out if they provide replacement fobs for lost ones. Certain brands offer them directly and will even pair an additional one with your car at the dealership. These services are usually less expensive and faster than having your vehicle towed. But, you must factor in the cost of your deductible when considering these options.
Call a Locksmith
There are a variety of different reasons why you might lose your car keys. Keep a spare car key handy or use one of the many Bluetooth trackers available to prevent this. This will allow you to locate 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 important to report the incident immediately. This will help to ensure that the keys aren't taken or used by someone else. lost key in car will also help ensure that your insurance company can provide you with the appropriate coverage if you need to file a claim.
If you have lost your car keys you should first look through the usual places where they are kept. Contact a professional locksmith for a replacement. They will usually be able to make this happen in a matter of minutes, and they will use the latest technology to create a duplicate key and then program it.
It is important to work with an experienced locksmith who has the necessary expertise in the creation of these kinds of replacement keys. They should have the necessary tools to to take out stuck or bent keys without causing further damage. They must also be able to give you a warranty on their work.
Some dealerships are able to create new keys for customers, but this will cost more than working with an outside locksmith. It is also essential to determine if your car insurance policy will cover the cost of a locksmith or a new key from the dealership.