What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be one of the most stressful experiences you experience. In the chaos of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not be in a panic. Finding the key usually involves repeating your steps.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a secret that keys are among the most frequently misplaced objects. It can happen to anyone, whether you're on an adventure, distracted when you get out of your car or even at home trying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. There are some steps you can take before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
In the beginning, you'll need to go back and trace your steps. This can be a challenge in a panic mode however, it's crucial to keep track of exactly where you last saw your keys and the places that you went after that. It may also help to write down your steps, so that you can refer back to them later on.
If you've tried retracing your steps and still can't find your car keys, it could be time to start looking at more obvious places. Examine your purses and pockets and the home. Remember that your keys could be somewhere close by - they're just not in an obvious place. It could also be helpful to locate your keys near other items they're typically associated with, such as a laptop or purse.
If you've tried all of these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it may be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. Before calling a locksmith, try these tips to keep your keys from being lost again.
2. Find a spare key
It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats and couch cushions, or just by themselves. Once upon a time this wasn't a huge issue since it was simple to obtain an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. With the introduction of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.
For this reason, it's recommended to keep a spare key handy. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck and will make getting your vehicle back losing your key much easier. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain to ensure it's less likely to lose. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't already have one. This will reduce the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car You can get traditional keys made by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to remember that the dealer will need to program your key to match the vehicle you are driving.
try this web-site of modern cars come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car by using remote controls. If you lose the fob your only option is to visit a locksmith or dealer to help them match an alternative fob to your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, keep a routine of place your keys in the same place every time you get home. You can put your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch, or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. If you lost them in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones kept them on the couch to play hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can make you feel frantic and overwhelmed.
Panicking won't solve your problem and may make it worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to resolve your problem as quickly as you can.
Start by going back through your day and recollecting where you had them last. If you remember that they were in your pocket, make sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you took to determine if they were found anywhere else. You can also look over your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.
If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll need to open and shut each appliance and look inside to see if you can find small things.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to connect them to a long lanyard or chain. This will allow you to keep track of them as well as making them more difficult to find due to the sound they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright color so that they are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Contact the police
The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. Reporting your lost car keys immediately is important so that you do not have to be concerned about someone else using your vehicle or even getting into your home. Reporting your loss early will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from the dealership.
If you contact the police, they'll be able to inform you that your keys have been discovered by someone or have been taken. They'll also give you some advice on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found they'll likely request information regarding the time you lost them, and where you were before that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry the key. After that then go back through your day and try to recall where you lost them. It's possible you put them on a counter or went into your bag to find something and then the keys fell out.
This can only be done by the dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. It can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, based on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also contact emergency roadside service from GEICO and is available 24/7 through the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by delivering an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Call a locksmith
When you're running errands and put your keys to your car in the trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This is all too common, as lost keys are the most misplaced item among Americans1. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to stop this from happening. However, you can take steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
replace lost car key is a good idea, but it doesn't ensure that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could aid in finding your keys should they get lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone when it detects an indication from your lost key which makes it much easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will come and replace the keys. The locksmith will be able make a new key for you if you have proof that you are the owner, such as your car's title or registration.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, but If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to have one made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make certain to verify whether the key you buy can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car key can be stressful, but it does not need to be. If you follow the suggestions given above, you can recover your keys and get back on the road. Be sure to remain calm and don't get stressed! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.