How The 10 Worst Key Lost Car FAILURES Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
It can be a huge problem to lose your car keys. There are a few ways to prevent this from happening.
Traditional key chains as well as a decluttering of your home or office are simple, but effective methods to ensure your car keys are secure. If you need more complex keys, talk to your dealer or locksmith.
Retract your steps
You are able to find your keys by going back to your steps. This may sound like the most old-fashioned piece of advice however it can be extremely useful in locating lost items. The first step is to go back to where you last had your keys. For instance, if lost them in the process of getting out of your vehicle, look around your garage and driveway to see if they are there. If you set them on the table in the kitchen make sure you look under everything that may have fallen on it.
If retracing steps does not work, record what you did during the day to help you remember where your keys may be. This could also help you to narrow your search.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It's a horrible feeling to lose your keys, especially when it means you're running late. It's easy to lose track of your keys, and then put them away in a random place at home. That's why it's important to keep your keys in the same place when you've used them. That 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 your steps, and looking for the usual places you may have placed them down. This includes counters, tables and hooks for keys. You can also check your pockets and bags for any items that have fallen out.
Then, be sure to thoroughly check the inside of your car. It's not uncommon for people to hide their keys in a compartment or bag in the car. If your keys have a fob, it's also an excellent idea to take the fob out from its holder and then look for any indication that it's gone missing.
It's recommended to constantly be sure to check the house. Many people lose their keys when they're wearing a coat and do not take them out before entering the house. Inspecting your pockets and emptying any bags is the best place to start however, it's also worth checking the cushions on your couch and looking under furniture to see if they are there. If you're still unable to locate your keys, it could be time to contact a locksmith. If you're lucky enough, they'll be capable of helping you locate the keys. If they don't, it's likely they have been lost for good and you'll need to purchase an additional set.
Try turning the car on
Keep a spare car key in your glove box to prevent being locked out. You are still able to get into your car even if you have lost your key fob.
If your keys are missing, you're out of luck. The reason is because the key fob contains an electronic element that wirelessly transmits an alarm signal to the ignition, and if it doesn't detect this signal the car will not turn on.
To avoid this problem, a number of automakers have built fail-safes into their vehicles. If the battery dies inside your key fob, it will not be able to send the signal needed to enable the ignition of your vehicle. However, certain cars have a switch hidden underneath the steering wheel that is able to be turned without the use of the key fob. Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle for directions on how to activate the switch.
There are a variety of methods that can be used to start the car using a dead key fob however, it's usually a difficult and risky job. Some techniques involve using an hammer and screwdriver to attempt to open the ignition, while others employ a technique known as hot wiring to reroute the battery wires in order to get the engine running. Trying these methods is often best left to an auto professional who has the necessary equipment. Most of the time it will also require the expert to remove some of the security components from the car in order to access the proper security elements. The final option is to ask the dealer to program a new key fob to connect to your vehicle.
Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company immediately after you have lost your keys. This will help to prevent someone from attempting to use the lost keys and provide you with peace of mind. If you don't report missing keys in 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 keys in the car. Fortunately, some insurance companies offer key replacement insurance as an optional rider to their comprehensive insurance policies. However, the cost and conditions for this coverage could vary from one policy to the next.
Most companies will only cover a tiny part of the cost for the replacement of a key fob. This can be incredibly expensive. It's more costly to replace a smart lock, that can open doors or start your vehicle. In lost car key replacement is worth considering alternatives like a roadside assistance plan that includes a locksmith.
It is also advisable to check with the manufacturer of your vehicle to find out if they provide replacements for lost fobs. Some brands sell them direct and will even pair a new one with your vehicle at the dealership. These services can be cheaper than having your car towed into the dealership, and they can be faster, too. When considering these options it is important to take into consideration the cost of your deductible.
Call an expert locksmith
There are a variety of reasons you may lose your car keys. Keep a spare car key handy or make use of one of the many Bluetooth trackers available to prevent this. This will let you locate your vehicle in just a few seconds and save you from needing to pay for a locksmith or getting taken back to the dealer.
Inform the police as soon as you can if you've lost your car keys. This will ensure that your keys are not taken away or used by anyone else. It will also help to ensure that your insurance company can give you the proper protection should you have to file claims.
If 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. You can then contact a professional locksmith to make the replacement. They will usually complete the task on site, and use the latest technology to create an identical key and program it for you.
It is crucial to choose a locksmith professional who has the necessary experience in creating these types of replacement keys. They should have the tools to be able to remove stuck or bent keys without further damaging them. They should be able to give you a guarantee on their work.
Some dealers can make new keys for customers, however it will cost more than using an outside locksmith. It is also essential to determine whether your insurance policy covers the cost of a locksmith, or a new key from the dealership.