Lost Keys - How to Find Them
It's been a long day, and you just want to go home, put on your comfy sweatpants, grab a slice of pizza, and binge watch your favorite show. But then you realize you have lost your car keys!
It's not necessary to lose your keys. Here are some suggestions to make it easier and avoid future loss of keys. Retrace your steps.
1. Call an expert locksmith
When you lose your car keys, it may seem like the end of the world. The loss of your car keys can be a devastating experience.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is best to contact a locksmith. This will save you time and money in the long run and can also stop further damage to your vehicle. In most cases, a locksmith can help you enter your vehicle without breaking any windows.
Many people make the mistake of trying to break into their cars on their own, which can often result in costly repairs and lots of stress. To avoid this, be sure to keep a spare key with someone you trust and contact a locksmith immediately if you discover you've lost your keys.
The locksmith will be able to decode locks on your vehicle and create a new key for you, and erase the old one from your car's computer to ensure that no other person could 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 follow your steps. This may sound silly, but it can aid in remembering where the keys are or where they could have ended up. It can make your search much easier if you remember where you were the last time you looked at your keys.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and scary experience. Most car insurance companies won't pay for replacement costs unless they have been stolen. lost car key will cover keys lost if you have a keyfob, and the loss was considered theft, not a misplaced or lost key.
If you own a traditional car key, locksmiths can duplicate them for you at a relatively low cost. However in the event that you own a newer vehicle with an electronic fob or "smart" key you'll likely have to visit your car dealership or automaker to purchase an additional key. This could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of car and the key you own.
Many policies include roadside assistance, which will cover the cost in the event that your keys are stolen or lost. These benefits differ from policy to policy, and may be subject to limitations, like the deductible or the maximum limit.
No matter if your car insurance covers the cost of replacing keys, it's typically best to simply pay cash instead of submitting an insurance claim. If you file a claim, it is possible that your premium will rise in the future. Therefore, it is worth considering whether or not purchasing a policy that offers additional key fob coverage is worthwhile. It will raise your monthly cost but you can save a lot of cash in the long run.
3. Try retracing your steps
If you've lost your keys, it's important to be calm and focus on where you remember having them last. It's a good idea to go back to the places that you were in the moment you lost them and to check bags and pockets. This can help you jog your memory and help you locate your keys back into their place.
It's also beneficial to have someone around when you search for keys you've lost. A second pair of eyes can assist you to locate your keys more quickly, especially if they're in the deep pockets of a coat or in the crevices of cushions on couches. Try repeating the name of your keys as you search for them; research suggests that this can boost your chances of finding them.
It could be an appropriate time to call a professional locksmith if you are unable to find your keys, even after repeating all your steps. If you're looking to reprogram the immobilizer in your car they can assist. You will need to contact the manufacturer of your vehicle or an automotive technician to reprogram an electronic key.
It's easy to lose your keys when you're in a hurry or while doing something other. You may be distracted by the sound of your phone or cooking food and your keys could be lying on the floor as you closed the door and rushed into the home. You might have dropped them outside when you went to get your groceries and they've since fallen off or ended in the street or in the grass. Fortunately, the majority of keys lost aren't completely lost. If you're persistent, you can usually find them within an hour or so.
4. Contact the police
The worst thing you could do is to lose your keys after a long day at work. You're home, eager to put on a pair of comfy clothes and binge-watch your favorite show. Then you realize that your keys are gone. This could ruin your evening and cause anxiety and stress.
It can be extremely frustrating to lose your car keys and could happen to anyone at any moment. There are a few things you can try to find your keys and avoid a worse situation.
Examine your pockets, your bag and all other places you could have placed them. Check your pockets, your bag and all the spots where you might have put them down. You should also inspect your home including drawers, cabinets and countertops. It's a common spot to lose your keys to your car, and often, something in your environment could provide an idea.
It is always a smart idea to contact the police if you cannot find your keys. You'll be able to rest in mind and this could stop thieves from stealing your vehicle. It is best to do this early, so the police can prepare a report and keep an eye on it.
You might be able to have your lost keys covered under your insurance policy in the event you contact the police. This is a service that is optional that a majority of insurance companies offer. It could help you save money on costly repairs if the car was stolen with your keys.
5. Call Your Car Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. Contact a locksmith to give you new keys. As cars have advanced in technology in recent years, losing your keyfob can be expensive and time-consuming. Most people recommend always carrying an extra key fob with you.
But what is the next step if you're on the brink of losing your car key and are unable to find it anywhere? You may be tempted to contact your car dealership however this isn't always the most effective option.
1. Dealerships charge a higher price than normal for their services. This is especially applicable to replacement keys. This could cost you hundreds of dollars more than it would be if you called an auto locksmith.
2. Wait Time: Because dealerships for cars are so busy they might not be capable of providing you with keys to replace as quickly as you would like. This can be a hassle particularly if you require your vehicle for work or other important obligations.
3. Some dealerships only offer keys replacement as part an overall package that includes other services, like maintenance for your vehicle. This could be a major inconvenience if you are in need of your car for another reason and do not have the funds to pay to pay for additional services.
It is important to remain calm when you have lost your car keys and to follow a step-by-step approach to find them. You'll likely find them soon. You can also contact your insurance company. Report the loss of your keys as soon as you notice it to avoid someone else damaging your vehicle.