How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
It can be a major trouble to lose your car keys. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent this from happening.
Traditional key chains and a decluttering of your office or home are simple, but efficient ways to keep your car keys secure. If you need more complex keys, contact your dealer or a locksmith.
Retract your steps
Following your steps back will help you locate your keys. This may sound like the most old-fashioned piece of advice however it can be very helpful in finding lost items. The first step is to look back to the place where you last remember seeing your keys. For instance, if you dropped them while getting out of your vehicle, look around your driveway and garage to see if the keys are there. Examine all the items that might have fallen on the table, if you dropped them.
If retracing steps fails to work, record the entire day's activities to aid you in locating where your keys might be. This can also help narrow your search.
Check Your Hiding Spots
Losing keys is the most traumatic feeling particularly if you're late. It's easy to get distracted and then put them away in a random location at home. It's crucial to place your keys back in the same spot after you've used them. This will make it an habit and you'll know exactly where to look for them in the future.
When you're trying to find your keys, start by retracing the steps and taking note of the places you may have placed them down. This includes tables, countertops and key hooks. Also, look through your bags and pockets for any items that have been taken out.
Next, check the interior of your vehicle. Many people keep their keys inside the compartment or bag of their car. It's a good idea, in the event that your keys have a fob to remove the fob from its holder and check whether it's gone missing.
It's an excellent idea to regularly be sure to check the home. Many people don't take out their keys before entering the house if they're wearing coats. Examining your pockets and emptying any bags is the best place to start, but it's also worth looking around on the couch cushions and looking under furniture to see whether they're there. If you've still not found your keys, it may be time to call a locksmith. If you're lucky, they'll be in a position to assist you in finding keys. If not, they're likely to be lost forever and you'll need to purchase new ones.
Try turning the car on
The best way to avoid getting locked out of your car is by always keeping a spare key in the glove box. You are still able to get into your vehicle if you lose your key fob.
If your keys are missing and you're not sure where to find them, you're out of luck. The reason is because the key fob has an element wireless that transmits a signal to the ignition, and if it doesn't detect this signal the car won't start.
Many car manufacturers have installed a fail-safe for their vehicles to prevent this problem. If the battery in your key fob dies it will not be in a position to transmit the signal needed to turn on the ignition of the vehicle. However, some cars have a switch that is hidden beneath the steering wheel that can be flipped without the use of the key fob. Check the owner's manual for directions on how to turn on the switch.
A few different methods can be used to begin the car with an unresponsive key fob however, it's usually a difficult and risky job. Some methods involve using the hammer and screwdriver to attempt to open the ignition, while others employ a technique known as hot wiring to reroute the battery wires to get the engine running. It is recommended to leave this task to an auto expert who has the required equipment. In the majority of cases it will also require the expert to remove some of the security components from the car in order to access the appropriate security components. The last option is to ask the dealer to program the new key fob to connect to your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company right away after you lose your keys. This will prevent anyone from using the keys you lost and will give you peace of mind. If you don't report the missing keys to your car at the time you should, you may find that someone has taken them and caused the door of your vehicle damaged or ignition.
Car thefts are increasing on a trend, particularly when the owner leaves keys in the car. Some insurers provide a key replacement rider as an option to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. The price and requirements for this coverage differ from one policy to another.
Most companies will only cover a tiny amount of the cost of a new key fob. This can be very expensive. If you have a key with a smart chip that can open your doors or start the engine, it can be more expensive to replace. In this scenario, it may be worth considering an alternative such as a roadside assistance plan that includes the locksmith.
Contact the manufacturer of your car to find out if they provide spare keys to replace a lost car key replacing lost keys ones. Some brands sell them direct and can even pair up an additional one with your vehicle at the dealership. These services are often cheaper and quicker than having your car towed. However, it is important to take into account the cost of your deductible when considering these options.
Contact a locksmith
There are a myriad of reasons you may lose your car keys. Keep an extra car key on hand or use one of the many Bluetooth trackers available to avoid this. This will allow you to locate your car within seconds, saving you money on a locksmith as well as a tow back for the dealer.
Inform the police as soon as you can if you've i lost the key to my car your car keys. This will ensure that the keys aren't 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 do lose your car keys, the very first step is to search for them thoroughly in all of the usual places that they can be found. Contact a professional locksmith for the replacement. They will usually complete the task on site, and will use the latest technologies to create duplicate keys and program it for you.
It is essential to choose an experienced locksmith with the required expertise in the creation of these kinds of replacement keys. They must have the tools to be able to take out stuck or bent keys without damaging them further. They should also be able to give you a warranty on 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 whether your insurance policy provides for the cost of a locksmith, or a new key lost car (delphi.larsbo.org published an article) from the dealership.