How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys can be a major hassle. There are some steps you can do to avoid this.
Traditional key chains and a tidying of your office or home are easy, but effective methods to keep your car keys safe. For more intricate keys, however, you will need to contact your dealership or locksmith.
Retract your Steps
The process of tracing your steps will help you locate your keys. This may appear like an old piece of advice but it can be extremely helpful in finding lost items. The first step is to look back to the last place you recall having your keys. If you accidentally dropped your keys after getting out of the car, check your garage and driveway. If you put them down on the kitchen table make sure you look underneath all of the items that might have landed on it.
If retracing steps fails to work, record the entire day's activities to help you remember where your keys could be. This could also help you reduce your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
Losing keys is the most traumatic feeling especially if you're late. It's easy to become distracted and then forget to set them somewhere in your house and then forget where they are. This is why it's essential to put your keys in the same spot when you've used them. This way they will become a routine and you'll are aware of where they can be found in the future.
If you're looking for your keys, begin by retracing the steps and checking the common places where you may have set them down. This includes tables, counters, and hooks for keys. You can also examine your bags and pockets for any items that have been taken out.
Next, check the interior of 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 in the event that your keys have fobs, to remove the fob from its holder to check whether it's gone missing.
Finally, it's always recommended to inspect the inside of the house. Many people lose their keys when wearing a coat and don't remember to remove them before they enter the house. Begin by looking through your bags and pockets. You can also look under furniture or in couch cushions to see if you have lost keys. It may be the right time to call an expert locksmith if you've not found your keys. If you're lucky, they'll capable of helping you locate the keys. If not, they're likely to be lost forever, and you'll need to buy a new set.
Try turning the car on
Keep an extra car key in your glove box to prevent being locked out. You'll still be able to enter your car even if you have lost your key fob.
If you have 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 that the keyfob is equipped with a wireless component that sends an alert to the ignition. If it does not receive this signal it will not turn on.
To avoid this issue, many automobile manufacturers have built a fail-safe into their vehicles. If the battery fails inside your key fob, it will no longer be able transmit the signal needed to enable the ignition of your vehicle. However, lost car keys have a switch that is hidden beneath the steering wheel that can be turned without using keys fobs. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to turn on this switch.
A variety of different strategies can be used to start the car using the key fob that is dead but it's generally a difficult and risky job. Certain methods require a screwdriver and hammer to try and open the ignition, while others utilize a method referred to as hot wiring to reroute the battery wires to start the engine. Trying these methods is often best left to an auto professional who has the proper equipment. In most cases, an expert will have to take out a few modules in order to gain access to the security elements. The final option is to have the dealer program an entirely new key fob that will pair with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company immediately after you have lost your keys. This will stop anyone from attempting to use the keys they lost and give you peace of mind. If you don't report the missing keys in time, someone could have used them to harm your vehicle's doors or ignition.
Car thefts are on a rising trend, particularly when the driver leaves keys in the car. Some insurers offer a key replacement rider as an option to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. However, the cost and requirements for this coverage can vary from one policy to the next.
Most companies only cover a small portion of the cost to replace the key fob, which can be a costly proposition. It's more costly to replace a smart key which can open doors or start your car. In this case, it may be worth considering alternatives like a roadside assistance plan which includes a locksmith.
You should also check with the manufacturer of your car to see if they can provide replacements for lost fobs. Some brands sell them directly and will even attach a replacement to your vehicle in the dealership. lost car key replacement are typically less expensive and faster than having your car tow. However, it is important to take into account the cost of your deductible when considering these options.
Call a locksmith
There are a variety of reasons you may lose your car keys. Keep an extra car key in your pocket or use one of the many Bluetooth trackers that are readily available to avoid this. This will help you find your car within minutes, and save you money on a locksmith and returning the vehicle to the dealer.
If you do happen to lose your car keys, then it is important to report the loss immediately. This will ensure that your keys aren't stolen or used by anyone else. It will also help ensure that your insurance provider can provide you with the right coverage if you need to make a claim.
If you've lost your car keys, first look through the usual places where they are stored. You can then contact an expert locksmith to create a replacement. They usually can perform this on-site and will use the latest technologies to create a duplicate key and program it for you.
It is important to work with an experienced locksmith who has the knowledge and experience in making these kinds of replacement keys. They must have the tools to be able to take out stuck or bent keys without causing further damage. They must also be able to offer a warranty on their work.
Some dealerships can make new keys for customers, but it is more expensive than hiring an outside locksmith. You should also check whether your insurance covers the cost of a locksmith or locksmith.