How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be a major hassle. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep this from happening.
Keep your car keys safe by using traditional key chains or decluttering your home or office. For more complex keys, however, you will have to call your dealership or a locksmith.
Retract Your Steps
Following your steps back can help you locate your keys. This is a common piece of advice, but it can be extremely useful in finding lost items. First, look back to the place you last had your keys. If you accidentally dropped your keys when getting out of the car, make sure you check your garage and driveway. Look under all the things that may have fallen on the table, if you dropped them.
If retracing your steps doesn't work, try writing down everything you did in the day to spark memories of where your keys might be. This can also help you reduce your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's the worst feeling to lose your keys, particularly when it means you're running late. It's easy to lose focus and then forget to set them somewhere in your house, then forget where they are. It's important to put your keys back in the same spot after you've used them. So they'll become a habit and you'll will know where to find them in the future.
If you're trying to locate your keys, begin by retracing the steps and checking the common places where you may have placed them down. This includes tables, countertops and key hooks. You should also examine your bags and pockets for any items that may have been taken out.
Next, check the inside of your vehicle. It's not uncommon for people to hide their keys in a compartment or bag inside their car. If your keys have fobs, it's recommended to take the fob out of its holder and look for any indication that it's fallen off.
It's recommended to constantly check the house. Many people do not take off their keys prior to entering the house, especially if they are wearing a coat. Examining your pockets and emptying any bags is a good starting point but you should also consider feeling around in the cushions on your couch and looking under the furniture to determine whether keys are there. It's probably time to call a locksmith if you haven't found your keys. If you're fortunate, they may be able assist you in locating your keys. If not, they're likely to be lost forever, and you'll need to buy a new set.
Try turning off the car.
Keep a spare car key in your glove box to avoid being locked out. You'll still be able to enter 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 in a bind in the event that your keys get lost. The reason is because the key fob is equipped with an electronic element that wirelessly transmits an alert to the ignition, and if it doesn't detect this signal the car won't start.
Many car makers have designed a fail-safe into their vehicles to prevent this problem. If the battery fails inside your key fob, it will no longer be able to send the signal required to activate the vehicle's ignition. Some cars have a hidden switch under the steering wheel which can be used with or without the key fob. Consult your owner’s manual for directions on how to activate the switch.
There are several methods to start a car when it has an unresponsive fob. However, it's a challenging task that can be risky. Some methods involve using an hammer and screwdriver to attempt to open the ignition, while others utilize a method referred to as hot wiring, which involves rerouting the battery wires in order to start the engine. It is recommended to leave these techniques to an auto technician who has the required equipment. In the majority of cases this, it is also necessary for the expert to remove a few modules from the car in order to access the proper security elements. The dealer can program the new remote to connect with your car.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is recommended to contact your insurance company as soon as 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 keys that are missing at the right time, someone may have used them to damage the doors of your car or ignition.
Car thefts are on a rising trend, especially when the owner leaves their keys in the vehicle. Certain insurers provide keys replacement riders as an option to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. However, the price and requirements for this coverage can vary from policy to policy.
lost key what to do will only cover a small amount of the cost of the replacement of a key fob. This can be extremely expensive. It is more expensive to replace a smart key which can open doors and start your vehicle. In this case it is worth considering alternatives like a roadside assistance plan which includes the locksmith.
Check with your car's manufacturer to find out if they offer spare keys to replace lost ones. Some manufacturers sell them directly and can even pair up a new one with your car at the dealership. These services are usually less expensive and quicker than having your car tow. When considering these options it is crucial to think about the cost of your deductible.
Call a Locksmith
There are a myriad of reasons you might 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 that are available. This will help you find your car in a matter of seconds, saving you money on a locksmith and a tow back to the dealer.
If you do end up losing the keys to your car, it is crucial to report the loss as soon as possible. This will ensure that your keys aren't taken away or used by anyone else. This will help ensure that you are protected by your insurance company in the case of an insurance claim.
If you've lost your car keys you should first go through all the normal locations where they are kept. Contact a professional locksmith for an alternative. They can often complete the task on site, and they will make use of the most recent technology to create an identical key and program it for you.
It is also crucial to remember that you must only work with an experienced locksmith in making these kinds of replacement keys. They should be equipped with the right tools to remove stuck or bent keys without further damaging them. They must also be able to give you a warranty on their work.
Some dealerships can create new keys for customers, but this may cost more than working with a locksmith outside. It is also vital to check the insurance policy of your car provides for the cost of a locksmith or a new key from the dealership.