How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys could be a major hassle. There are a few ways to prevent this from happening.
Secure your car keys by using traditional key chains or decluttering your office or home. For more intricate keys, however, you will need to contact your dealership or a locksmith.
Retract Your Steps
The process of tracing your steps can help you locate your keys. This may appear like an old piece of advice, but it is extremely useful in locating lost objects. First, look back to the place you last saw your keys. For instance, if you dropped them when getting out of your vehicle, look around your driveway and garage to see if they are there. If you put them down on the kitchen table make sure you look under all the things that could have fallen on it.
If retracing steps does not work, write down what you did during the day to aid you in locating where your keys could be. This can also help narrow your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's a terrible feeling to lose your keys, particularly when you're in a hurry. It's easy for you to lose track of your keys, and then set them down in a random location at home. This is why it's essential to keep your keys in the same location after you use them. This will become an automatic habit and you'll know exactly where to look for keys in the future.
If you're trying to locate your keys, begin by retracing your steps and looking for the usual places you may have set them down. This includes countertops, tables, and key hooks. You can also look in pockets and bags to see if the items have fallen out.
Then, you should check the interior of your vehicle. It's not common for people to put their keys in a bag or compartment in the car. If your keys are equipped with fobs, it's an excellent idea to take the fob out of its holder and check the area around it to determine if it's fallen off.
It's an excellent idea to regularly check the home. Many people forget to remove their keys prior to entering the house if they're wearing coats. Inspecting your pockets and emptying your bags is an excellent starting point, but it's also worth looking around on the cushions on your couch and looking underneath furniture to see whether they're there. It's probably time to call a locksmith if you haven't found your keys. If you're lucky enough, they'll be capable of helping you locate keys. If not, they'll be lost forever, and you'll need to buy another set.
Try turning the car on
Keep an extra car key in your glove compartment to avoid being locked out. This will allow you to get back into 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 out of luck if your keys are lost. The reason is that the key fob is equipped with an electronic element that wirelessly transmits a signal to the ignition, and if it doesn't detect this signal the car will not turn on.
To overcome this issue, a lot of car manufacturers build a fail-safe in their vehicles. If the battery is dead in your key fob it will no longer be able to transmit the signal required to turn on the ignition of the vehicle. Some vehicles have a hidden switch beneath the steering wheel that can be used without the key fob. Check the owner's manual for specific instructions on how to turn on this switch.
There are a variety of methods that can be used to begin the car using a dead key fob however, it's usually a difficult and risky job. Some methods employ a screwdriver to open the ignition while others use hot wiring, a method that reroutes the battery wires to start the engine. The process of trying these methods is usually best left to an auto technician who will have the proper equipment. In most cases, the expert will have to take out several modules to gain access to the security elements. The dealer can program a new remote to pair with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company immediately after you lose your keys. This will prevent anyone from trying to use the keys you lost and provide you with peace of mind. If you don't report your car keys missing in time, you might find that someone has used them and left damage to your car's doors or ignition.
It's a pity that car thefts are increasing especially when the owner has hid their keys in the car. Some insurers offer a key replacement rider as an option to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. The cost and requirements of this coverage differ from one policy to the next.
Most companies will only cover a small part of the cost for the replacement of a key fob. This can be very expensive. If you have a smart key that can open your doors or even start your engine, this can be more expensive to replace. In this case, it may be worth considering alternatives like a roadside assistance plan that includes a locksmith.
Contact the manufacturer of your vehicle to find out if they provide spare keys to replace lost ones. Certain brands offer them directly and will even pair an additional one with your car at the dealership. These services are often cheaper and quicker 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 myriad of reasons you could lose your car keys. The best way to avoid this from happening is keeping a spare key on hand, or using one of the many Bluetooth key trackers on the market. This will help you find your car within seconds, saving you money on a locksmith as well as a tow back at the dealer.
Inform the police as soon as you can if you lose your car keys. This will help to ensure that the keys aren't taken or used by someone else. It will also help to ensure that your insurance provider can provide you with the right coverage if you need to file claims.
If lost vehicle key replacement lose your car keys, first go through all the normal places where they are stored. Contact a professional locksmith for a replacement. They can usually make this happen on the spot and will make use of the latest technology to make a duplicate key and program it.
It is crucial to hire a professional locksmith who has the knowledge and experience in making these kinds of replacement keys. They must have the tools to to take out stuck or bent keys without further damaging them. They should also be able to give you a warranty on their work.
Some dealers can make new keys for customers, but it costs more than hiring an outside locksmith. It is also important to determine whether your insurance covers the cost of a dealer or locksmith.