Lost Keys - How to Find Them
It's been a long, tiring day and you're ready to go home, change into comfy sweatpants, grab a slice of pizza and watch your favorite show. Then you realize that you can't locate your car keys.
It's not necessary to lose your keys. Here are some tips to help prevent future key loss. Retrace Your Steps.
1. Contact a locksmith
If you lose your car keys, it could seem like the end of the world. Losing your car keys can be a devastating experience.
If lost car keys replaced find yourself in the same situation, it is best to contact an expert locksmith. This will save you money and time in the end, and will also help prevent further damage to your vehicle. In most cases your locksmith will be able to help you get back in your vehicle without damaging any of its windows.
Many people make the mistake of trying to open their vehicle on their own. This could lead to expensive repairs and a great amount of stress. To avoid this, make sure to keep a spare key in the hands of someone you trust, and then contact a locksmith when you realize that you've lost your keys.
The locksmith can decode your car's locks and create keys for you. They can also wipe the old key from the system so no one else has access to it. This is typically less expensive than contacting the dealership.
Make sure you follow your steps before calling a locksmith. This may sound silly but it can help you remember where your car keys are and where they may have ended up. If you are able to remember where you were when you last saw your car keys, it will make searching much simpler.
2. Make sure to contact Your Insurance Company
Losing your car keys can be a frightening and stressful experience. Most car insurance companies will not pay for the cost of replacement unless the keys have been stolen. However, some carriers may provide coverage for keys lost under their comprehensive insurance coverage so long as you have a key fob and the loss is thought to be theft rather than simply a lost key.
Most locksmiths can duplicate your traditional car keys for a low cost if you have one. However in the event that you own an older model car that has an electronic fob or "smart" key you'll likely have to go to your automaker or dealership for an alternative key. This could cost hundreds of dollars based on the model of car and the key you own.
While your car insurance company will not cover the cost of replacing the keys to your car in case they are stolen or lost, many policies do include some kind of roadside assistance which can reimburse you for the cost. These benefits can vary from one policy to the next, and usually have specific limitations like a maximum limit or minimum deductible.
Regardless of whether your car insurance covers the cost of replacing keys, it's generally best to pay cash instead of filing an insurance claim. If you file a claim it is possible that your premium will increase in the future. Therefore, it is worthwhile to consider whether purchasing an insurance policy with additional coverage for key fobs is worth it. It will increase your monthly rate however it could save you lots of money in the end.
3. Try Retracting Your Steps
When you lose your keys, you need to remain calm and think about where you remember having them last. You can look in your pockets and bags and then walk back to the places that you were in when they disappeared. This can help you jog your memory and help you locate your keys back into their place.
It's also beneficial to have someone with you while you look for your keys that you've lost. It is possible to locate your keys more quickly with an additional pair of eyes, especially when they are inside pockets of a jacket or the crevices of a couch cushion. Research suggests that repeating the name of your keys when you search for them could increase your chances of success.
It may be the right time to contact an expert locksmith if cannot locate your keys, even after repeating all your steps. If you require reprogramming the immobilizer of your vehicle they can assist. You'll need to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle or an automotive technician to reprogram the smart key.
It is easy to lose your keys if you are in a hurry or engaged in something other. The keys may have fallen to the floor because you were distracted by the ringing of your mobile or cooking. You may have dropped them outside when you grabbed your groceries and they've since been blown away or ended on the curb or in the grass. Fortunately, the majority of keys lost aren't gone for good. You can usually find your keys within a few minutes with a little perseverance.
4. Call the police
The most important thing you'd like to avoid is to lose your keys after working all day. You're home, eager to slip into some comfortable sweats and watch your favorite TV show. But then you realize that your keys have disappeared. This is sure to make your night miserable and cause anxiety and stress.
It can be extremely frustrating to lose your car keys. It could happen to anyone at any time. There are a few things you can try to find your keys to avoid a more difficult situation.
The first step is to ensure you've thoroughly checked all the places you might have lost them. Check your pockets, bags and any other places you may have put them. You should also check your home including drawers, cabinets and countertops. This is a typical place to lose your car keys, and often, something in your surroundings can provide a clue.
It's always a good idea to call the cops when you can't locate your keys. This will not only provide peace of mind, but could also deter thieves from taking your vehicle. It is recommended to start this process early, so the police can prepare reports and keep an eye on it.
You might also be able get your keys replaced under your insurance policy in the event you call the police. Many companies provide this as an added service to their policies and it is a great option to save cash on costly repairs if your car gets stolen with keys that you have lost.
5. Call Your Car Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not a big problem. You could call a locksmith and they'd make you a new set. Since cars have become more technologically advanced in recent years the loss of your key fob could be expensive and time-consuming. Most people recommend always keeping an extra key fob along in your pocket.
What happens if you're nearing losing your car keys but can't find them anywhere? You might be tempted call your dealership however this isn't always the best option.
1. Cost: Dealerships usually charge more for their services and this is particularly relevant to replacing keys. This can end up costing you hundreds of dollars more than if you simply called an auto locksmith.
2. Wait Time: Because car dealerships are so busy they might not be in a position to offer you keys to replace as quickly as you'd like. This can be frustrating especially if you need your car for work or other important obligations.
3. Some dealerships only offer keys replacement as part an overall package that includes other services, for example, vehicle maintenance. This can be a major inconvenience if you need your car for other reasons and do not have the funds to cover additional services.
If you've lost your car keys, it's essential to remain calm and follow a step-by-step method to locate them. It is likely that you will be able to locate them quickly. You can also contact your insurance company. Make sure you inform them of the loss keys immediately to ensure that you don't run the risk of someone else using keys and causing damage to your vehicle!