How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
It can be a major trouble to lose your car keys. There are, however, several ways to prev ent this from occurring.
Traditional key chains and 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 locksmith.
Retract Your Steps
The process of tracing your steps can help you locate your keys. This may sound like an old piece of advice but it can be extremely helpful in finding lost items. The first step is to go back to where you last saw your keys. If you accidentally dropped your keys after getting out of the car, make sure you check your garage and driveway. If you set them on the kitchen table make sure you look under all the things that could have fallen on it.
If retracing steps doesn't work, write down the entire day's activities to help you remember where your keys could 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 if it means you are in a hurry. It's easy to get distracted and then forget to set them somewhere in your house and then forget where they are. This is why it's essential to always put your keys in the same place after you've used them. This will become a habit and you'll know where to find them in the future.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and then examining the places you might have left your keys. This includes counters, tables and hooks for keys. You should also look through your bags and pockets for any items that may have fallen out.
Next, check the inside of your car. Many people keep their keys in the compartment or bag of their car. If your keys come with fobs, it's a good idea to remove the fob of its holder and check around it to see if it's gone missing.
In the end, it's an excellent idea to look around the property itself. Many people forget to remove their keys prior to entering the house when they are wearing a coat. Begin by looking through your bags and pockets. You can also feel under furniture and couch cushions to determine if you have lost them. It could be time to call locksmiths if you haven't found your keys. If you're fortunate, they may be able assist you in locating your keys. If not, they'll be lost forever and you'll need to purchase a new set.
Try turning the car on
The best way to avoid getting locked out of your car is by keeping a spare key in the glove box. You'll still be able to enter your car even if you have lost your key fob.
If you own a newer car that only uses keyless entry and push-button start then you will be out of luck in the event that your keys get lost. This is because the keyfob has wireless components that send an email to the ignition. If it does not receive this signal, the car will not start.
To avoid this issue, a lot of car manufacturers build a fail-safe into their vehicles. If the battery inside your key fob goes out it will not be capable of transmitting the signal needed to start the engine of the car. However, certain cars have a switch that is hidden beneath the steering wheel that can be flipped without using your key fob. Consult your owner’s manual for directions on how to activate the switch.
There are a variety of methods that can be used to begin the car with the key fob that is dead but it's generally a difficult and risky job. Certain methods use screws to open the ignition, while others employ hot wiring, a technique that reroutes the battery wires to start the engine. Trying these methods is often best left to an auto professional who will have the required equipment. Most of the time it will also require the expert to remove a few modules from the car in order to access the correct security components. The last option is to have the dealer program the new key fob to pair with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is recommended to contact your insurance company immediately after you lose your keys. This will stop anyone from trying to use the lost keys and give you peace of mind. If you don't report the keys missing in time, someone could have damaged the ignition or doors of your vehicle.
Car thefts are on an upward trend, especially when the driver leaves keys in their vehicle. Certain insurance companies offer the key replacement rider as an alternative to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. However, the price and conditions for this coverage could vary from one policy to the next.
Most companies only provide a tiny portion of the cost for replacing the key fob, and this can be a costly proposition. 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 may want to consider an alternative such as a roadside service plan that includes the locksmith.
Contact the manufacturer of your car to see if it offers spare keys to replace lost ones. Certain brands offer them directly and will even pair a new one to your vehicle at the dealership. These services are usually less expensive and quicker than having your car tow. However, it is important to factor in the cost of your deductible when considering these options.
Contact a locksmith
There are a variety of reasons you may lose your car keys. Keep an extra car key on hand or make use of one of the numerous Bluetooth trackers that are readily available to prevent this. This will let you find your vehicle in just a few seconds and save you from needing to pay for a locksmith or getting returned to the dealer.
If you do end up losing the keys to your car, it is crucial to report the incident as soon as possible. This will ensure that your keys don't get stolen or used by anyone else. It will also help ensure that your insurance provider can provide you with the appropriate coverage if you need to make a 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 to get an alternative. They can usually make this happen immediately, and they will use the latest technology to create a duplicate key for you and program it.
It is essential to hire a professional locksmith with the required expertise in the creation of these kinds of replacement keys. They should have the appropriate tools to remove bent or stuck keys without further damaging them. They should be able to give you a guarantee for their work.
Some dealerships can make new keys for customers, but it is more expensive than hiring an outside locksmith. It is also vital to check the insurance policy of your car will cover the cost of a locksmith or new key from the dealership.