How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
It can be a real hassle to lose your car keys. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent this from occurring.
Keep your car keys secure by using traditional key chains, or clearing your home or office. For more complex keys however, you'll have to contact your dealer or a locksmith.
Retract your Steps
Following your steps back can help you locate your keys. This may seem like a dated piece of advice but it can be extremely helpful in locating lost items. The first step is to return to the place where you last recall seeing your keys. For example, if you dropped them when getting out of your vehicle, look around your driveway and garage to see if they are there. If you set them on the kitchen table Be sure to look under all the things that could have fallen on it.
If retracing steps does not work, record the entire day's activities to help you remember where your keys may be. This may also narrow your search.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
Losing keys is the most traumatic feeling, especially if you're running late. It's easy to lose track of your keys, and then set them down in a random place at home. It's important to place your keys back in the exact spot after you've used them. That way, they become a habit and you will know where to find them in the future.
If you're trying to locate your keys, start by retracing the steps and taking note of the places you may have placed them down. This includes countertops, tables and key hooks. You should also look through your bags and pockets for any items that might have been taken out.
Next, check the interior of your vehicle. Many people hide their keys in bags or compartments of the car. It's a good idea if your keys come with a fob to remove the fob from its holder to check if it has fallen out.
Finally, it's always an excellent idea to look around the house itself. Many people don't take out their keys before entering the house, especially if they're wearing coats. Start by checking your bags and pockets. You can also look under furniture or in couch cushions to determine whether you've lost keys. It may be the right time to call a locksmith if you haven't found your keys. If you're fortunate they may be able to assist you in finding your keys. If not, it's likely they have been lost forever and you'll need to purchase another set.
Try turning the car on
The best method to avoid being locked out of your vehicle is to always keeping an extra 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 in a bind, you're out of luck. The reason is that the key fob is equipped with an element wireless that transmits an alert to the ignition in the event that it doesn't detect this signal, the car will not turn on.
Many car manufacturers have built a fail-safe for their vehicles to avoid this issue. If the battery is dead within your key fob, it will not be able to send the signal needed to enable the vehicle's ignition. Some vehicles have a hidden switch beneath the steering wheel which can be used with or without the key fob. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on how to activate this switch.
There are a few ways to start a car when it has a dead fob. However, it is an extremely difficult job that could be risky. Some methods involve using an hammer and screwdriver to try and open the ignition, while others utilize a method referred to as hot wiring to reroute the battery wires in order to get the engine running. If you are considering these methods, it is best left to an auto professional who has the necessary equipment. Most of the time, this will also require the expert to remove several modules from the vehicle in order to access the appropriate security elements. The dealer can program an additional remote to pair with your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
It is recommended to contact your insurance company as soon as you lose your keys. why not find out more will stop anyone from attempting to use your lost keys and will give you peace of mind. If you don't report the keys that are missing at the right time, someone could have damaged the doors of your car or ignition.
Car thefts are on an upward trend, especially when the owner has left their keys in the vehicle. Some insurers provide keys replacement riders as an option to their comprehensive auto insurance policies. The price and requirements for this coverage differ from one insurance policy to the next.
Most companies cover a small portion of the cost to replace the key fob, which can be an expensive proposition. If you have a key with a smart chip that can open your doors or even start your engine, it can be more expensive to replace. In this instance it might be worth looking into alternatives such as a roadside assistance plan which includes the locksmith.
It is also advisable to check with the manufacturer of your vehicle to see if they can provide replacement fobs in case you lose them. Some brands sell them directly and can even connect a new one to your car in the dealership. These services are typically less expensive and faster 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 many reasons to lose your car keys. Keep a spare car key handy or use one of the many Bluetooth trackers that are available to avoid this. This will allow you to locate your car in just a few minutes, and save you money on a locksmith and returning the vehicle to the dealer.
Make sure to report the incident as quickly as you can in the event that you lose your car keys. This will help to ensure that the keys don't get taken or used by someone else. It can also help ensure that your insurance company can give you the proper coverage if you need to make an claim.
In the event that you do lose your car keys, the very first step is to look them up in all of the usual places where they are located. Contact a professional locksmith for an alternative. They usually can complete the task on site, and will use the latest technologies to create a duplicate key and program it for you.
It is essential to work with an experienced locksmith with the required knowledge and experience in making these kinds of replacement keys. They should be equipped with the appropriate tools to remove bent or stuck keys without further harming them. They should be able to offer you a guarantee for their work.
Some dealerships can create new keys for customers, but it costs more than hiring an outside locksmith. You should also determine whether your insurance covers the cost of a dealer or locksmith.