How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be a major headache. There are a few steps you can do to prevent this from happening.
Keep your car keys secure by using traditional key chains or by decluttering your home or office. If you need more complex keys, contact your locksmith or dealer.
Retract your Steps
It is common to locate your keys by going back to your steps. This may seem like a dated tip, but it can be extremely helpful in locating lost objects. The first step is to go back to the place where you last recall having your keys. For instance, if you dropped them when getting out of your vehicle, look around your driveway and garage to see if they're there. Examine all the items that could have fallen onto the table if you dropped them.
If retracing steps fails to work, write down the entire day's activities to aid in remembering where your keys could be. This may also narrow your search.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's a terrible feeling to lose your keys, particularly when you're running late. It's easy to lose focus and absentmindedly set them down somewhere in your home and then forget where they are. This is why it's essential to always put your keys in the same place when you've used them. This will make it a habit and you'll know where to find keys in the future.
Retrace the steps you took and then examining the places you might have left keys. This includes tables, countertops, and key hooks. More Information and facts should also examine your bags and pockets for any items that might have been taken out.
Next, make sure to take a thorough look inside your vehicle. It's not common for people to put 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 and check if it has fallen out.
In the end, it's a good idea to check the house itself. Many people lose their keys when wearing a coat and forget to take them out before they enter the house. Start by checking your bags and pockets. You can also feel under furniture or in couch cushions to see whether you've lost them. It may be time to contact a locksmith if you haven't found your keys. If you're fortunate, they may be able assist you in finding your keys. If not, they'll be lost forever and you'll need to purchase another set.
Try Turning the Car On
The best method to avoid being locked out of your car is to keeping an extra key in the glove box. This will enable you to return to your vehicle, even if you lost your key fob.
If you have a newer car that only uses keyless entry and push-button start then you'll be in a bind when your keys go missing. This is because the keyfob comes with wireless components that send a message to the ignition. If it does not receive this signal and the car won't start.
To avoid this issue, a lot of automakers have built fail-safes into their vehicles. If the battery is dead within your key fob, it will not be able to transmit the signal needed to enable the vehicle's ignition. However, certain cars have a switch that is hidden beneath the steering wheel that is able to be turned without the your key fob. Check the owner's manual for directions on how to activate the switch.
A few different methods can be used to begin the car using a dead key fob, but it is usually an extremely risky and difficult task. Certain methods require an hammer and screwdriver to attempt to open the ignition, while others utilize a method referred to as hot wiring to reroute the battery wires in order to get the engine running. It is best to leave this task to a professional auto mechanic who has the required equipment. In most cases, the expert will have to take out some modules to gain access to the security components. The last option is to ask the dealer to program an entirely new key fob that will pair with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is important to contact your insurance company immediately after you lose your keys. This will prevent anyone from attempting to use the keys you lost, and give you peace-of-mind. If you don't report keys missing in time, someone might have used them to damage the doors of your car or ignition.
Car thefts are on an upward trend, especially when the owner has left their keys in the vehicle. Some insurers provide keys replacement riders as an option to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. However, the cost and conditions for this coverage could vary from policy to policy.
The majority of companies only cover a small portion of the cost for replacing the key fob, which could be an expensive 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 want to consider an alternative like a roadside service plan that includes a locksmith.
Contact the manufacturer of your vehicle to see if it offers replacement keys for keys that have been lost. Some brands sell them direct and will even pair an additional one with your car at the dealership. These services are often cheaper and faster than having your car tow. When considering these options, it is crucial to think about the cost of your deductible.
Contact a Locksmith
There are a variety of reasons to lose your car keys. The best way to avoid this from happening is by keeping an extra key on hand, or using one of the numerous Bluetooth key trackers that are available. This will help you find your car in a matter of minutes, and save you money on a locksmith as well as returning the vehicle for the dealer.
Report the incident as soon you can if you've lost your car keys. This will ensure that your keys are not stolen or used by anyone else. This will help ensure that you are covered by your insurance provider in the event of a claim.
If you lose the keys to your car, you must first look through the usual places where they are kept. Contact a professional locksmith for the replacement. They can usually make this happen immediately and will make use of the latest technology to create an identical key for you and program it.
It is important to choose a locksmith professional who has the necessary experience in creating these types of replacement keys. They should be equipped with the appropriate tools to remove stuck or bent keys without further causing damage to them. They must also be able to provide a guarantee on their work.
Some dealers can make new keys for customers, however it will cost more than using an outside locksmith. You should also check if your insurance covers the cost of a dealership or locksmith.