How to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys could be a major hassle. There are a few steps you can do to avoid this.

Traditional key chains and a tidying of your home or office are simple, but effective ways to keep your car keys secure. If you require more intricate keys, talk to your locksmith or dealer.

Retract your Steps

You can often find your keys by retracing your steps. This is a common piece of advice, but it can be very helpful in finding lost items. The first step is to go back to the place you last looked for your keys. If you lost your keys while getting out of your car, look around your driveway and garage. If you place them on the kitchen table, be sure to check under everything that might have landed on it.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all the things you did during the day to stir up memories of where your keys might be. This may also narrow your search.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's a terrible feeling to lose your keys, especially when you're running late. It's easy to get distracted, and then set them down in a random spot at home. It's important to place your keys back in the exact spot after you've used them. This will help you make it a habit and you'll know exactly where to look for them in the future.

Retrace the steps you've taken and examining common places where you may have left your keys. This includes countertops, tables and key hooks. You can also check in bags and pockets to see if the items have been ripped out.

Then, be sure to thoroughly check the inside of your car. Many people store their keys in the compartment or bag of the car. It's a good idea, in the event that your keys have a fob to remove the fob from its holder in order to determine whether it's fallen out.

Finally, it's always recommended to inspect the property itself. Many people forget to remove their keys prior to entering the house when they're wearing a coat. Begin by looking through your bags and pockets. You can also feel around under furniture and in the cushions of your sofa to determine if you have lost them. If you're still unable to locate your keys, it could be time to call a locksmith. If you're lucky, damaged they may be able assist you in locating your keys. If not, damaged they're likely to be lost forever, and you'll need to buy a new set.

Try turning the car on

Keep a spare car key in your glove compartment to avoid being locked out. You are still able to get into your vehicle if you lose your key fob.

If you have a newer car that has only keyless entry and push-button start, then you'll be out of luck in the event that your keys get lost. The reason for this is because the key fob is equipped with a wireless element that sends an alarm signal to the ignition, and if it doesn't detect this signal the car won't turn on.

Many car makers have designed a fail-safe for their vehicles to avoid this problem. If the battery is dead in your key fob it will no longer be able to transmit the signal needed to enable the vehicle's ignition. Some vehicles have a hidden switch beneath the steering wheel that can be used with or without the key fob. Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle for specific instructions on how to activate this switch.

There are a variety of methods that can be used to begin the car with a dead key fob however, it's usually dangerous and risky. Some techniques involve using the hammer and screwdriver to try to start the ignition, whereas others employ a technique known as hot wiring, which involves rerouting the battery wires to get the engine running. It is recommended to leave these methods to an auto technician who has the equipment needed. In the majority of instances, the expert will have to take out several modules to gain access to the security elements. The last option is to have the dealer program the new key fob to connect to your vehicle.

Call Your Insurance Company

It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as you lose your keys. This will prevent anyone from attempting to use the keys that were lost and will provide you with peace of mind. If you don't report your car keys missing at the time you should, you may discover that someone has used them and left the door of your vehicle damaged or ignition.

It's a pity that car thefts are on the rise particularly when the owner has left keys inside the car. Luckily, some insurers provide key replacement coverage as an optional add-on to their comprehensive car insurance policies. The cost and requirements of this coverage vary from one insurance policy to the next.

Most companies only provide a tiny portion of the cost to replace the key fob, which could be an expensive proposition. If you have a key with a smart chip that can open your doors or start the engine, this can be even more costly to replace lost key for car. If this is the case, you might be interested in a different option like a roadside service plan that includes the locksmith.

You should also check with the manufacturer of your vehicle to see if they offer replacements for lost fobs. Certain brands offer them directly and can even connect a new one to your vehicle at the dealership. These services can be less expensive than having your car tow by the dealer and could be quicker, too. However, it is important to consider the cost of your deductible when you are considering these options.

Contact a Locksmith

There are many reasons why you might lose your car keys. Keep a spare car key handy or use one of the many Bluetooth trackers that are readily available to prevent this. This will allow you to locate your car in a matter of minutes, and save you money on a locksmith and a tow back to the dealer.

If you do happen to lose your car keys, then it is essential to report the loss as soon as possible. This will ensure that your keys aren't stolen or used by anyone else. It will also help to ensure that your insurance company can provide you with the right coverage if you need to file claims.

If you lose your car keys, the first thing you should do is look them up in all of the usual locations where they can be found. You can then call an expert locksmith to create an appropriate replacement. They will usually be able to make this happen in a matter of minutes and they'll use the latest technology to make an identical key lost car for you and then program it.

It is also important to know that you should only work with a locksmith with experience in making these kinds of replacement keys. They should have the necessary tools to to remove stuck or bent keys without further damaging them. They should be able to give you a warranty on their work.

Some dealers can make new keys for customers, but it costs more than hiring an outside locksmith. It is also essential to determine if your car insurance policy will cover the cost of a locksmith or new key from the dealership.