Lost Keys - How to Find Them
You've had a long, tiring day, and you're ready to get home, put on some comfy sweatpants, order pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Then you realize that you can't find your car keys.
Lost keys can be very stressful However, they don't have to be. Follow these tips to help you make the process less stressful and avoid future key loss 1. Retrace your steps.
1. Call a locksmith
If you lose your car keys, it may feel like the end of the world. If they were stolen from your pocket at the gas station, left in the trunk while shopping, or were left hanging from the ignition after a night of drinking and driving is one of the worst situations that could happen.
If you are in a similar situation, it is best to contact a locksmith. You'll save time and money in the long run and will also prevent further damage to your vehicle. In most cases, a locksmith can help you enter your vehicle without breaking any windows.
Many people make a mistake by trying to open their vehicle on their own. This can result in expensive repairs and a great amount of stress. To avoid this, be sure to keep a spare key in the hands of someone you trust and call locksmiths immediately if you discover you've lost your keys.
The locksmith will be able to decode the locks on your car and make a new key for you, as well as wipe the old key from your car's computer so that no other person will be able to use it to start your car. This procedure is typically cheaper than calling your dealership.
Before calling a locksmith, be sure to follow your steps. This may sound silly but it can aid in locating the location of your car keys and where they could have ended up. If you can remember the exact location you were in when you last looked at your car keys it will make your search much easier.
2. Contact your insurance company
Losing your car keys can be a scary and stressful experience. Unfortunately, the majority of car insurance companies do not cover the cost of replacing them in the event of theft. Some carriers will cover lost keys when you have an ignition key fob and the loss is considered to be theft, rather than the loss of a key or a lost one.
Many locksmiths can duplicate your traditional car keys at a minimal cost if you already have one. However, if you have a newer vehicle with an electronic fob or "smart" key you'll likely have to visit your automaker or dealership in order to get an additional key. Based on the type of key you have and your vehicle, this could cost you hundreds of dollars.
While your car insurance company will not pay for the replacement of the keys to your car in case they are lost or stolen, many policies do include some form of roadside assistance that can pay for the cost. The benefits offered will differ from one policy to the next and typically have specific restrictions like a maximum limit or a the deductible.
It is usually better to pay for the keys yourself instead of filing an insurance claim, regardless of whether or not your insurance covers the keys. If you file a claim it is likely that your premium will increase in the future. It is important to consider whether buying a policy that provides additional insurance for key fobs worth the cost. This will increase your monthly premium, but you could save a lot of cash in the long term.
3. Try Retracting Your Steps
If you lose your keys, it's important to stay calm and focus on the places you've been to since you had them last. It's a good idea walk back through the places you went to when you lost them, and also to look through pockets and bags. This may help jog your memory and nudge your keys into place.
It's also helpful to have someone with you in the search for your lost keys. A second pair of eyes can help you locate your keys quicker, especially if they're in the pockets of your coat or in the crevices of cushions on couches. Try reciting the name of your keys as you search for them; research suggests that this could increase your chances of finding them.
If key lost car can't find your keys after going back through your steps then it's time to contact locksmith. If you're looking to reprogram the immobilizer in your car, they can help. You'll need to call the manufacturer of your car or an automotive technician to reprogram an electronic key.
It's easy to lose your keys in the rush or while doing something else. You might have been distracted by the sound of your phone or preparing food or cooking, and your keys may have fallen on the floor after closing the door to hurry into the house. It's also possible you dropped them outside while picking up your groceries, and they've been fallen off or ended up in the grass or on a curb. Fortunately, the majority of keys lost aren't completely lost. It is common to find your keys in a matter of minutes if you're patient.
4. Call the Police
After a long workday the last thing you need is to lose your key. You're finally at home and ready to put on some comfortable sweats, enjoy a delicious pizza and binge watch your favorite show when you realize your keys are missing. This will ruin your evening, and cause you anxiety and stress.
It can be a real pain to lose your car keys, and it can happen to anyone at any moment. There are a few steps you can do to locate your keys to avoid a more difficult situation.
First, make sure you've thoroughly examined all places where you may have misplaced they may have gone missing. Examine your pockets, your bag and any other places you may have put them down. Also, check your home including cabinets, drawers and countertops. These are all common places to lose keys to your car and oftentimes something in the environment can provide a clue as to where they are.
If you are unable to locate your keys, it's always a good idea to call the police. You'll have peace of mind and this could stop thieves from taking your vehicle. This should be done as early as possible to allow the police to keep an eye on it and create reports.
You may also be able to get your lost keys covered under your insurance policy in the event you call the police. This is a service that is optional that most insurance companies offer. It could save you money on costly repairs if the car was stolen with your keys.
5. Contact Your Car Dealership
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could simply call a locksmith and have another set made for you. As automobiles have advanced in technology in recent years and losing your key fob can be a costly and time-consuming affair. This is the reason why a majority of people recommend carrying a spare with you always.
What if you are nearing losing your car keys and cannot locate them? You might be tempted to call your car dealer but that's not the ideal option.
1. Cost: Dealerships often charge more for their services and this is particularly true when it comes to replacing keys. This can end up costing you hundreds of dollars more than it would be if you called an auto locksmith.
2. Waiting Time: Due the large number of customers, dealerships may not be able to provide you with the new key as fast as they would like. This could be a problem when you are in a rush to get your car for work, or another important task.
3. Some dealerships only offer keys replacement as part an overall package that includes other services, for example, vehicle maintenance. This could be a major problem if you require your vehicle for a different reason and aren't able to cover additional services.
If you've lost your car keys, it is important to try to remain at peace and take a step-bystep approach to finding them. You'll likely find them in the near future. Otherwise, you can always consult your insurance company for assistance. Inform them of the loss of your keys immediately to prevent someone else from damaging your vehicle.