How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be a huge hassle. There are a few ways to avoid this.
Traditional key chains as well as a decluttering of your office or home are easy, yet effective ways to ensure your car keys are secure. For more complex keys, however, you will have to contact your dealer or a locksmith.
Retract your Steps
Following your steps back will help you locate your keys. This is a common piece of advice however it can be extremely useful in locating lost items. First, go back to the place you last looked for your keys. For instance, if lost them in the process of getting out of your car, look in your garage and driveway to see if they're there. If you place them on the table in the kitchen, be sure to check under everything that could have fallen on it.
If you aren't able to trace your steps work, you can write down all the things you did throughout the day to trigger memories of where your keys could be. This could also narrow down your search.
Check Your Hiding Spots
Losing your keys is the worst feeling especially if you're late. It's easy for you to get distracted and then leave them in a random location at home. This is why it's crucial to keep your keys in the same spot after you've used them. This will make it an automatic habit, and you'll know where to find keys in the future.
Begin by retracing the steps you followed and checking common places you may have left keys. This includes countertops, tables and key hooks. Also, look inside pockets and bags to see if the items have been taken out.
Make sure you thoroughly check the inside of your vehicle. It's not uncommon for people to hide their keys in a compartment or bag inside 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 if it has fallen out.
In the end, it's recommended to inspect the property itself. Many people do not take off their keys prior to entering the house, especially if they're wearing coats. Examining your pockets and emptying any bags you have is a good place to start, but it's also worth feeling around in the cushions of your sofa and checking underneath furniture to see if they are there. It may be the right time to call locksmiths if you haven't found your keys. If you're lucky enough, they'll be in a position to assist you in finding them. If not, they'll be lost forever, and you'll need to purchase another set.
Try turning the car on
The best way to prevent being locked out of your car is to keeping an extra key in the glove box. This will allow you to get back into your vehicle, even if your key fob.
If you have a brand newer car that has only keyless entry and push-button start, then you'll be out of luck when your keys go missing. The reason is that the keyfob has an electronic component that transmits a message to the ignition. If it isn't receiving this signal and the car won't turn on.
To get around this issue, many automakers have built fail-safes into their vehicles. If the battery is dead in your key fob it will no longer be able to send the signal needed to enable the ignition of your vehicle. Some cars, however, have a switch hidden underneath the steering wheel that is able to be turned without the use of your key fob. Check the owner's manual for directions on how to activate the switch.
There are several methods to start a car when it has a dead fob. However, it is a challenging task that can be dangerous. Some methods involve using a screwdriver and hammer to try and start the ignition, whereas others use a method known as hot wiring, which involves rerouting the battery wires to start the engine. It is recommended to leave these methods to a professional auto mechanic, who will have the equipment needed. In lost keys to car no spare of cases, this will also require the expert to remove a few modules from the vehicle in order to access the correct security elements. The last option is to let the dealer program an entirely new key fob that will be paired with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company right away after you lose your keys. This will prevent anyone from attempting to use your lost keys and will give you peace of mind. If you don't report the missing keys in time, someone could have damaged the ignition or doors of your vehicle.
Car thefts are on an upward trend, particularly when the owner leaves keys in their vehicle. Luckily, some insurers provide key replacement coverage as an optional add-on to their comprehensive car insurance policies. The price and requirements for this coverage differ from one insurance policy to the next.
The majority of companies only cover a limited amount of the cost for replacing the key fob, which could be costly. If you have a smart key that can open your doors or even start your engine, this can be more expensive to replace. If this is the case, you might think about a different solution like a roadside service plan that includes a locksmith.
Check with your car's manufacturer to see if it offers replacement keys for keys that have been lost. Some manufacturers sell them directly and will even pair an additional one with your vehicle at the dealership. These services are often cheaper and faster than having your car towed. However, you should always consider the cost of your deductible before weighing these options.
Contact an expert locksmith
There are a variety of reasons 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 many Bluetooth key trackers available. This will allow you to find your car in seconds, and avoid needing to pay for locksmith services or getting taken back to the dealership.
Make sure to report the incident as quickly as you can in the event that you lose your car keys. This will ensure that your keys don't get stolen or used by someone else. It will also help to ensure that your insurance company can give you the proper protection should you have to make an claim.
In the event that you do lose your car keys, the very first step is to look them up in all the usual places where they are found. You can then call an expert locksmith to make an appropriate replacement. They will usually be able to do this on the spot and will make use of the latest technology to make a duplicate key for you and then program it.
It is essential to choose an experienced locksmith who has the necessary experience in creating these types of replacement keys. They should be equipped with the appropriate tools to remove bent or stuck keys without further damaging them. They should also be able offer a warranty on their work.
Some dealers can make new keys for customers, but it is more expensive than hiring an outside locksmith. It is also important to determine whether your insurance will cover the cost of a dealership or locksmith.