Lost Keys - How to Find Them
You've had a long, exhausting day and you're just looking to go home, put on some comfy sweatpants, order pizza, and watch your favorite show. Then you realize that you can't find your car keys!
Lost keys can be very frustrating, but they don't have to be. Follow these steps to make the process simpler and avoid future key loss 1. Retrace Your Steps.
1. Contact a locksmith
When you lose your car keys, it can feel like the end of the world. Losing car keys lost no spare can be a terrifying experience.
However, when you're in this kind of situation, the best thing to do is call an expert 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 cases, a locksmith can help you get into your vehicle without damaging any windows.
Many people make the error of trying to gain entry into their cars on their own, which could cause costly repairs and a lot of stress. To avoid this, be sure to keep a spare key with someone you trust and call locksmiths when you realize you have lost your keys.
The locksmith will decode the locks on your car and create a key for you. They will also take your old key out of the system, so that nobody else has access to it. This is typically cheaper than contacting your dealership.
Before making a call to a locksmith, be sure to follow your steps. It may seem like a waste of time but it could help you remember where the keys are, or where they could have ended up. If you can remember where you were when you last looked at your car keys it will make searching a lot simpler.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your car keys can be a terrifying and stressful experience. Most car insurance companies will not cover for replacement costs in the event that they were stolen. However, certain insurance companies might offer protection for keys lost under their comprehensive insurance coverage so long that you have a key fob and the loss is thought to be theft rather than just a misplaced key.
If you have a standard car key, locksmiths can duplicate them for you for a affordable cost. However If you own a newer vehicle with an electronic fob or "smart" key, you will likely need to go to your car dealership or automaker to purchase a replacement key. This could cost hundreds of dollars based on the model of car and the key you have.
While your insurance company will not pay for the replacement of the keys to your car in case they are stolen or lost, many policies do include some type of roadside assistance which can pay for the cost. These benefits will vary from one policy to the next, and will often have specific limitations like a maximum limit or deductible.
It is usually better to pay for the keys yourself rather than 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. For this reason, it is important to think about whether or not a policy that offers additional key fob protection is worth it. It will increase the monthly cost however it could save you a significant amount of cash in the long run.
3. Try Retracting Your Steps
If you've lost your keys, you need to be calm and focus on the place you last saw them last. You can search your bags and pockets and return to the places you visited when they disappeared. This will help you remember where your keys are, and might even help you locate them.
If you're looking for keys that have disappeared It's a good idea to have someone else along with you. A second pair of eyes can help you locate your keys quicker especially if they're located in the pockets of your coat or in the crevices of cushions on couches. Try repeating the names of your keys when you're searching for them; research suggests that this can increase your chances of finding them.
It's probably the right time to contact an expert locksmith if you still can't locate your keys even after retracing your steps. If you need to reprogram the immobilizer of your vehicle, they can help. It is important to remember that if you own a smart key, you'll have to contact the manufacturer of your car or an automotive locksmith to reprogram it.
You could easily lose your keys if you're working in a hurry or are doing something other. The keys may be on the floor because you were distracted by the sound of your phone or cooking food. You may have dropped them outside when you went to get your groceries, and they've blown off or ended on the curb or in the grass. Luckily, most keys lost aren't lost forever. With a little persistence you'll usually find them within the shortest amount of time.
4. Call the Police
The most important thing you'd like to avoid is to lose your keys after a long day at work. You're finally at home and ready to change into some comfortable sweats, enjoy delicious pizza, and watch your favorite show when you discover that your keys are missing. This will ruin your evening, and cause you anxiety and stress.
It can be extremely frustrating to lose your car keys. It could happen to anyone at any moment. However, there are several actions you can take to help find your lost keys and prevent the situation from getting worse.
Examine your pockets, your bag and all other places you might have placed them. Examine your bags, pockets and any other places you might have put them. You should also check your home including cabinets, drawers and counter tops. This is a common place to lose your car keys, and often, something in your surroundings can provide an idea.
If you can't find your keys, it is always a good idea to call the police. This will not only provide peace of mind, but it could also help deter potential thieves from getting your car. This should be done as early as possible so that the police can monitor it and file reports.
You may be able to have your lost keys covered under your insurance policy if you contact the police. This is an optional service that most insurance companies provide. It can save you money on expensive repairs if the car was stolen by keys.
5. Call Your Car Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could call a locksmith and they'd make you a new set. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, losing your key fob may become much more of a problem and costly one. Most people recommend always carrying a spare key fob in your pocket.
What if you're on the verge or losing your car keys and you can't find them anywhere? You may 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 especially applicable to replacing keys. This could cost you hundreds of dollars more than it would 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 a replacement key as quickly as you might like. This can be frustrating if you are in a rush to get your car for work, or for any other important deadline.
3. Some dealerships only provide keys replacement as part an overall package that includes other services, for example, maintenance of your vehicle. This could be a huge inconvenience if you need your car for other reasons and don't have the money to pay for additional services.
If you've lost your car keys, it is essential to remain at peace and take a step-bystep approach to finding them. You'll hopefully be able to locate them quickly. You can also contact your insurance company. Be sure to notify them of the loss of your keys as soon as you can so that you don't risk someone else using keys and causing damage to your vehicle!