How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be a major hassle. There are fortunately, a variety of ways you can keep this from happening.
Traditional key chains and a tidying of your home or office are simple, but effective methods to keep your car keys safe. If you require more complicated keys, contact your dealer or locksmith.
Retract Your Steps
Following your steps back can help you find your keys. This is a common piece of advice however it can be very helpful in locating lost items. The first step is to go back to where you last looked for your keys. For instance, if you dropped them while getting out of your car, look in your garage and driveway to see if the keys are there. If you place them on the table in the kitchen make sure you look underneath all of the items that could have fallen on it.
If retracing steps doesn't work, take a note of the entire day's activities to aid in remembering where your keys may be. This can also help you reduce your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's the worst feeling to lose your keys, especially when it means you're in a hurry. It's easy to lose focus and then forget to set them somewhere in your home, then forget where they are. This is why it's essential to keep your keys in the same spot after you use them. This will make it a habit and you'll know where to look for them in the future.
If you're trying to locate your keys, start by retracing the steps and checking the common places where you may have set them down. This includes countertops, tables and key hooks. Also, look inside bags and pockets to see if they have fallen out.
Make sure you examine the inside of your car. It'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.
In the end, it's recommended to inspect the property itself. Many people do not take off their keys before entering the house, especially if they're wearing a coat. Begin by checking your bags and pockets. You can also look under furniture or in couch cushions to see if you have lost keys. If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it may be time to call a locksmith. If you're lucky they may be able to assist you in finding your keys. If not, they'll be lost forever, and you'll need to buy another set.
Try turning the car off.
Keep an extra car key in your glove box to prevent being locked out. You are still able to get into your vehicle if you lose your key fob.
If you've lost your keys, you're out of luck. This is because the keyfob has wireless components that send an email to the ignition. If it does not receive this signal and the car won't turn on.
To avoid this problem, a number of automakers have built fail-safes in their vehicles. If the battery inside your key fob dies and it is not able transmit the signal required to start the ignition of your vehicle. Certain cars have a hidden switch beneath the steering wheel which can be used without the key fob. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to activate this switch.
A variety of different strategies are available to start the car using the key fob that is dead, but it is usually dangerous and risky. Some techniques involve using the hammer and screwdriver to try and open the ignition, while others use a method known as hot wiring to change the route of the battery wires in order to get the engine started. The process of trying these methods is usually best left to an auto technician who will have all the required equipment. Most of the time, this will also require the expert to remove several modules from the car to access the appropriate security components. The dealer can program an additional remote to pair with your car.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is recommended to contact your insurance company when you lose your keys. This will stop anyone from trying to use keys that you have lost and provide you with peace of mind. If you don't report the missing keys to your car at the time you should, you may discover that someone has used them and caused the door of your vehicle damaged or ignition.
Car thefts are on a rising trend, especially when the owner leaves their keys in the vehicle. Thankfully, some insurers offer key replacement coverage as an optional rider to their comprehensive insurance policies. The price and requirements for this coverage differ from one policy to another.
Most companies will only cover a small portion of the cost for an entirely new key fob. This can be incredibly 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 be interested in a different option like a roadside assistance plan that includes a locksmith.
Check with your car's manufacturer to see if it offers replacements for lost keys . Certain brands sell them directly and can even pair a new one to your car in the dealership. These services can be cheaper than having your car tow to the dealership and can be much faster as well. However, you should always take into account the cost of your deductible before weighing these options.
Call a Locksmith
There are many reasons why you may lose your car keys. The best way to avoid this from happening is by keeping an extra key in your car or by using one of the numerous Bluetooth key trackers on the market. This will allow you to locate your car within minutes, and save you money on a locksmith and a tow back for the dealer.
Report the incident as soon you can if you've lost your car keys. This will ensure that your keys don't get taken or used by someone else. This will help ensure that you are covered by your insurance provider in the case of claims.
In the event that you lose your car keys, the first thing you should do is check thoroughly for them in all of the usual places where they are located. Contact a professional locksmith to get a replacement. They can usually make this happen immediately and they'll use the latest technology to create an identical key for you and then program it.
It is also crucial to know that you should only work with a locksmith who has experience in making these kinds of replacement keys. They must have the tools to to take out stuck or bent keys without damaging them further. They should be able to offer you a guarantee on their work.
Some dealerships can make new keys for their customers, but this will cost more than working with a locksmith outside. You should also determine whether your insurance will cover the cost of a locksmith or locksmith.