Lost Keys - How to Find Them
You've had a long, tiring day and just want to go home, slip on some comfortable sweatpants, order a pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Then you realize that you can't find your car keys.
It's not necessary to lose your keys. Follow these tips to help you make the process less stressful and avoid further loss of keys 1. Retrace your steps.
1. Contact a locksmith
When you lose your car keys, it could seem like the end of the world. The loss of your car keys can be a devastating experience.
If you're in this situation the best thing to do is to call an expert locksmith. You'll save time and money over the long run and will also prevent further damage to your car. In most instances, your locksmith will be able to assist you get back into your vehicle without damaging any of its windows.
Many people make a mistake by trying to open their car on themselves. This can lead to expensive repairs and a great deal of stress. To avoid this, make sure to keep a spare key in the hands of someone you trust, and then contact a locksmith immediately if you discover you have lost your keys.
The locksmith will be able decode the locks on your car and make the new key for you, as well as erase the old one from your car's computer to ensure that no other person will be able to use it to start your vehicle. This is usually less expensive than contacting the dealership.
Before calling a locksmith, be sure to go back and repeat your steps. It may seem like a waste of time but it can help you remember where the keys are or where they might be. If you are able to remember where you were when last looked at your car keys, it will make searching considerably easier.
2. Contact your insurance company
Losing your car keys can be a scary and stressful experience. Unfortunately, most car insurance companies don't cover the cost of replacing them unless they are stolen. However, some companies may provide coverage for keys lost under their comprehensive insurance coverage so long as you have a key fob and the loss is thought to be theft rather than just a misplaced key.
If you own a traditional car key, a majority of locksmiths can duplicate it for you at a affordable cost. If you have an older vehicle with a "smart key" or electronic fob, you'll need to visit your local automaker or dealership to obtain a new key. Depending on the type key you own and your vehicle, this could cost you hundreds of dollars.
While your car insurance company will not cover the cost of replacing your car keys if they are stolen or lost Some policies offer some kind of roadside assistance that will pay for the cost. The benefits offered vary from policy to policy and could have limitations, for example, the deductible and maximum limit.
Whatever the case, regardless of whether your automobile insurance covers the cost of replacing your keys, it is generally best to pay cash instead of filing an insurance claim. It is possible that should you make an insurance claim, your premiums will rise in the future. It is important to consider whether buying a policy that provides additional protection for key fobs is worth it. This will increase the monthly cost, but it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
3. Try retracing your steps
When you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and think about the places you've been to since you had them last. It's a good idea walk back through the places you visited when you lost them, and to check bags and pockets. This can aid you in remembering where your keys are located and could even assist you in finding them.
When searching for lost keys, it's helpful to have someone else with you. You can find your keys more quickly with an additional pair of eyes, especially when they are in the pockets of a jacket or the crevices in cushions on couches. Research suggests that reciting the name of your keys when searching for them could increase your chances of finding them.
If you're unable to locate your keys after going back through your steps, it might be time to call a locksmith. If you need to reprogram the immobilizer on your vehicle, they can help. It is important to note that if you own a smart key, you will need to contact your car manufacturer or an automotive locksmith to reprogram it.
You can easily lose your keys if you're in a hurry or doing something else. You could be distracted by your phone's ringing or cooking food or cooking, and your keys may have fallen to the floor as you closed the door to hurry into the house. You may also have dropped them outside while you were grabbing your groceries, and they have been blown away or ended in the grass or on the curb. Fortunately, most keys that are lost aren't permanently lost. With a little persistence, you can usually find keys in the shortest amount of time.
4. Call the police
After a long day at work, the last thing you need is to lose your key. You're at home, ready to put on a pair of comfy sweats and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Then you discover that your keys are missing. This will inevitably make your night miserable and cause you anxiety and stress.
Losing your car keys can be a frustrating event. It could happen to anyone, at any time. There are some things you can try to find your keys and avoid a more serious situation.
Check your pockets as well as your bag and any other places you could have placed them. Check your purse, your pockets and all the places where you may have put them down. You should also inspect your home including cabinets, drawers and counters. This is a common place to lose your keys to your car, and sometimes something in the surrounding environment can give you a clue.
If you are unable to locate your keys, it is always an excellent idea to contact the police. This will not only provide you with peace of mind, but it could also deter thieves from taking your vehicle. It is best to do this early so that the police can monitor the situation and prepare reports.
You might be able to have your lost keys covered under your insurance policy if you call the police. Most insurance companies provide this service as an add-on to their policies and it is an excellent method to save money on costly repairs if your car gets stolen with keys you've lost.
5. Contact Your Car Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car was not a big problem. You could call a locksmith and they'd make you new keys. As cars have advanced in technology in recent years, losing your keyfob can be a costly and time-consuming affair. This is the reason why a majority of people recommend having a spare at all times.
What if you are close to losing your car keys and can't find them anywhere? You might be tempted to contact your dealer, but that's not always the best choice.
1. Dealerships charge a higher price than normal for their services. This is especially true in the case of replacement keys. This can cost you more than if you called an auto locksmith.
2. Wait Time: Since car dealerships are so busy they might not be able to provide you with keys to replace as quickly as you'd like. This can be a hassle especially if you need your vehicle for work or other important obligations.
3. Limitations: Due to the cost of replacement keys, some dealers only offer them as part of the package that includes other services, such as vehicle maintenance. car keys lost what to do could be a major inconvenience if you need your vehicle for a different reason and do not have the funds to pay for additional services.
If you've lost your car keys, it's crucial to stay calm and take a step-by-step method to locate them. It is likely that you will be able find them in the near future. If not, you can always consult your insurance company for help. Just be sure to report the loss of your keys immediately to ensure that you don't run the risk of someone else using them and causing damage to your vehicle!