Lost Keys - How to Find Them
It's been a long, tiring day and you're ready to go home, put on your comfy sweatpants, have a pizza, and binge on your favorite TV show. Then lost vehicle key realize that you are unable to find 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. Call a locksmith
When you lose your car keys, it can feel like the end of the world. It doesn't matter if they fell out of your pocket at the gas station, put in the trunk while shopping or hung from the ignition after an evening of drinking, losing your car keys is among the most terrifying things that can occur.
If you are in this kind of situation, the best thing to do is to call a locksmith. You'll save time and money over the long run and also avoid further damage to your vehicle. In the majority of cases, a locksmith can assist you in getting into your vehicle without damaging any windows.
Many people make the error of trying to gain entry into their cars on their on their own, which can cause costly repairs and a lot of stress. To avoid this, store an extra car key with someone you trust. Also, call an emergency locksmith as soon as you realize that you've lost your keys.
The locksmith will be able to decode locks on your car and create the new key for you, and wipe the old key from your car's computer to ensure that no other person could use it to start your vehicle. This process is usually much cheaper than calling your dealership.
Make sure you follow your steps before calling a locksmith. This may sound silly but it can aid in locating where your car keys are and where they might be. You can make the search much easier if you remember where you were last time you looked at your keys.
2. Check with Your Insurance Company
Losing your car keys can be a frightening and stressful experience. The majority of car insurance companies won't pay for the cost of replacement unless they have been stolen. However, some carriers may offer coverage for lost keys under their comprehensive insurance as long as you have an ID card and the loss is deemed as theft rather than simply a lost key.
If you have a standard car key, most locksmiths can duplicate them for you for a affordable cost. On the other hand, if you have a newer vehicle with an electronic fob or "smart" key, you will likely need to visit your automaker or dealer in order to get an additional key. This can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the model of car and key you have.
A lot of policies provide roadside assistance, which will pay for the cost if your keys are lost or stolen. These benefits will vary from one policy to the next and typically have specific restrictions like a maximum amount or the deductible.
It is generally best to pay for keys yourself instead of filing an insurance claim, regardless of whether your insurance covers the keys. If you file a claim, it is likely that your premium will rise in the future. Therefore, it is worth considering whether purchasing an insurance policy that provides additional key fob coverage is worth it. This can increase your monthly premium, but you could save money in the long term.
3. Retrace Your Steps
If you lose your keys, you need to be calm and think about the places you've been to since you had them last. It's a good idea to walk back through the areas you went to the moment you lost them and to check pockets and bags. This can help you remember where your keys are located and could even assist you in finding them.
When searching for lost keys It's a good idea to have someone else accompanying you. Having an extra set of eyes can help locate your keys quicker particularly if they're hidden in the deep pockets of a coat or in the crevices of a couch cushion. Try reciting the name of your keys as you're searching for them; research suggests that this can boost the likelihood of finding them.
If you are unable to locate your keys after trying to find them, it might be the right time to call locksmith. If you're looking to reprogram the immobilizer in your car, they can help. You will need to contact the car manufacturer or an automotive technician to reprogram a smart key.
It is easy to lose your keys if you're working in a hurry or are doing something other. You might have been distracted by the sound of your phone or you were cooking a meal and your keys could have fallen to the floor when you shut the door to hurry into the house. You may also have dropped them outside while grabbing your groceries, and they've been fallen off or ended up in the grass or on the curb. Luckily, most keys lost aren't lost forever. With a little persistence, you can usually find them within the shortest amount of time.
4. Contact the Police
After a long workday the last thing you need is to lose your keys. You're at home, ready to put on a pair of comfy sweats and binge-watch your favorite show. Then you realize that your keys have disappeared. This could ruin your evening, and cause you anxiety and stress.
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys, and it could happen to anyone at any moment. There are a few things you can do to locate your keys and avoid a worse situation.
First, make sure you've thoroughly inspected all places where you may have lost the items. Check your bags, pockets and any other places you might have put them down. It's also recommended to inspect the rest of your home including cabinets, drawers and countertops. It's a common spot to lose your car keys, but sometimes, something in the environment could provide an indication.
If you can't find your keys, it is always an excellent idea to contact the police. You'll have peace of mind and this could stop thieves from taking your car. It is recommended to start this process early so that the police can make reports and keep an eye out for it.
You might also be able to get the keys you lost covered under your insurance policy in the event you contact the police. This is an optional service that most insurance companies provide. It can save you money on expensive repairs if your car is stolen by keys.
5. Contact Your Car Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could call a locksmith and have another set made for you. However, as cars have become more advanced in technology and sophisticated, losing your key fob can be a troublesome and costly affair. Most people recommend always carrying an extra key fob in your pocket.
However, what do you do if you're the brink of losing your car key and haven't been able to find it anywhere? You might be tempted to contact your dealer, but it's not always the best choice.
1. Dealerships charge more for their services. This is especially relevant in the case of replacement keys. This can end up costing you hundreds of dollars more than it would if you simply called an auto locksmith.
2. Waiting Time: Because of the volume of customers, car dealerships might not be able to provide you with the new key as fast as they would like. This can be frustrating particularly if you require your car for work or other important obligations.
3. Some dealerships only offer keys replacement as part of the package that also includes other services, like maintenance of your vehicle. This can be a big inconvenience if you are in need of your car for another reason, but do not have the money for additional services.
It is crucial to remain calm when you've lost your car keys and take a step-by step approach to locate them. We hope that you'll be able to locate them in the near future. If not, you can always consult your insurance provider for assistance. Make sure you report the loss of your keys right away so that you don't risk someone else using keys and causing damage your vehicle!