Lost Keys - How to Find Them
You've had a long, exhausting day and you're just looking to get home, slip on some comfortable sweatpants, order a pizza, and 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. Here are some tips to help keep your keys safe from loss. Retrace your steps.
1. Contact a locksmith
The loss of your car keys can make you feel like it's the end of the earth. Losing your car keys can be a devastating experience.
If you're in this situation, the best thing to do is contact a locksmith. This will save you time and money in the end, and will also help prevent further damage to your vehicle. In the majority of instances, a locksmith will assist you in getting into your vehicle without breaking any windows.
Many people make a mistake trying to open their vehicle on their own. This can lead to expensive repairs and a great deal of stress. To avoid this, keep a spare car key in the hands of someone who you can trust. Also, call a locksmith immediately after you realize that you've lost your keys.
The locksmith will be able to decode locks on your car and create a new key for you, as well as remove the old key out of your car's system, so that no other person can use it to start your car. This process is usually much cheaper than calling your dealership.
Before making a call to a locksmith, be sure to retrace your steps. This may sound silly, but this can often aid in locating the location of your car keys and where they might have ended up. If you can remember the exact location you were in when you last looked at your car keys it will make searching much easier.
2. Contact your insurance company
The loss of your car keys can be a frightening and stressful experience. Most car insurance companies will not cover for replacement costs unless the keys have been stolen. Some insurance companies will cover keys lost in the event that you own an ignition key fob and the loss was considered theft, rather than an unintentionally lost or misplaced key.
If you have a traditional car key, most locksmiths can duplicate it for you at a relatively low cost. If you own an older car that has the "smart key" or electronic fob, you'll need to visit your local dealership or automaker to purchase a new key. This could cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of car and key you own.
Many policies offer roadside assistance that can reimburse you the cost if keys get stolen or lost. The benefits offered vary from policy to policy and could have limitations, for example, the deductible and maximum limit.
It is generally best to pay for keys yourself rather than making 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 essential to determine whether buying a policy that provides additional coverage for key fobs is worth it. This can increase your monthly rate but could save you a lot of money in the long run.
3. Retrace Your Steps
When you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and focus on where you remember having them last. You can look in your pockets and bags and return to the places you visited while they were missing. This can aid you in remembering where your keys are, and could even assist you in finding them.
In the search for keys lost, it's helpful to have someone else accompanying you. You'll be able to locate your keys quicker when you have an additional pair of eyes, especially when the keys are hidden in the pockets of a jacket, or the crevices of a couch cushion. Try repeating the names of your keys when you search for them. Research suggests that this could increase the likelihood of finding them.
It's probably time to call a professional locksmith if you cannot locate your keys, even after retracing your steps. They can assist you find a replacement key and possibly reprogram your vehicle's immobilizer, in the event that it is needed. You'll need to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle or an automotive technician to reprogram the smart key.
You could easily lose your keys if you are in a hurry or engaged in something else. You might be distracted by your phone ringing or preparing food or cooking, and your keys may have fallen to the floor after closing the door and rushed into the home. You might have dropped keys outside while you were grabbing your groceries and they've since fallen off or ended up on the curb or in the grass. Luckily, the majority of keys that get lost aren't permanently lost. You'll usually be able to locate your keys within a couple of minutes if you're patient.
4. Call the police
After a long day at work the most important thing you want to do is to lose your key. You're home, ready to put on some comfortable sweats and watch your favorite TV show. But then you discover that your keys are gone. This could ruin your evening, and cause you anxiety and stress.
Losing your car keys can be a frustrating event. It can happen to anyone, at any time. There are some things you can do to locate your keys and avoid a more serious situation.
Check your pockets, your bag and all other places you might have placed them. Examine your purse, your pockets and all the places where you might have put them down. It's also an excellent idea to look around the rest of your house including cabinets, drawers and countertops. These are all places that are commonly used to lose keys for cars and often, things in the surroundings could give clues about where they are.
If you are unable to locate your keys, it's always recommended to contact the police. You'll be able to rest in mind and this could stop thieves from taking your car. It is best to get this done as early as possible so that the police can make a report and keep an eye on it.
You may be able to have your lost keys covered under your insurance policy if you contact the police. Many insurance companies provide this as an added service to their policies. It is a great option to save money on costly repairs in the event that your car is stolen due to keys that you have lost.
5. Contact Your Car Dealership
Not too long ago the time when you lost your car keys was not a big deal. You could call a locksmith and they'd make you new keys. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, losing your key fob can become much more of a troublesome and costly affair. The majority of people advise having an extra key fob along to keep with you.
However, what do you do if you're the verge of losing your car key and are unable to locate it? You might be tempted to call your dealership but this isn't always the most effective option.
1. Cost: Dealerships typically charge more for their services and this is particularly relevant to replacing keys. This can cost you more than if you called an auto locksmith.
2. Waiting Time: Due the volume of customers, car dealerships might not be able to provide you with a new key as quickly as they would like. This can be a hassle if you are in a hurry to get your car for work, or any other important task.
3. Some dealerships only provide replacement keys as part of the package that also includes other services, like vehicle maintenance. This could be a major problem if you're in need of your car due to other reasons and don't have the money for additional services.
If you've lost your car keys, it is crucial to stay calm and follow a step-by-step approach to finding them. You'll hopefully be able find them soon. You can also contact your insurance company. Report the loss of your keys promptly to prevent someone else from damaging your vehicle.