Lost Car Key Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be one of the most frustrating experiences you can have. In the shuffle of school pick ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things sometimes are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not get in a state of panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are among of the most frequently used items to misplace. Whether you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day, and then drop keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. There are some things you can do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
The first step is to go back and trace your steps. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic, but it's important to keep track of where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you visited after that. It might be useful to write down the steps you did so that you can find them later.
If you've tried retracing your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it might be time to begin looking in more obvious places. Be sure to check your bags or pockets that you've been carrying around during the day, and in your home. Remember that click through the following page could be close by - they're just not in a visible spot. It may also be beneficial to locate your keys near other items they're typically connected to, such as the laptop or purse.
If you've tried all of these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it could be time to contact a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do, try some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the near future:
2. Get a Spare Key
Car keys have an amazing ability to disappear into pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. At one time this wasn't a huge issue since it was simple to obtain an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in key fob technology, it's become much more difficult to obtain a replacement for lost keys.
For this reason, it's best to keep a spare key in your car. You won't need to call a tow-truck and will be able to return your vehicle if you lose your key. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain, so that it's less likely to lose. If you don't have a spare key, consider getting one made to reduce the possibility of losing your keys.
It is common to have a traditional car key created by a locksmith or an auto dealer, based on your vehicle's model. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your particular vehicle.
Many modern cars are equipped with an entry system that lets you unlock the car with a remote control device. If you lose your fob, the only way to get it back is to visit a locksmith or dealer to have them match the replacement fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, make it a habit to place your keys in the same spot every time you arrive home. If it's on the entry table, the bowl on your front porch, or even a hook by the door, it can make it easier to remember the location of your keys and where they will be in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
Losing your car keys can be an awful feeling. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Panicking won't solve your problem and may even cause it to become worse. Try to remain calm and use the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by reviewing your day and recalling the last time you used them. Examine all of your pockets and bags in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also go back through your steps to see whether you've found them elsewhere. Also, you can look inside your car to determine if they've been left there however, you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've tried everything else and aren't able to find your lost car keys, it's time to move on to more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the freezer and fridge for your keys. You will have to shut and open the appliances and then feel inside to see if you can find small items.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is a great way to prevent losing them. This helps you keep track of them as well as making them more difficult to misplace due to the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright hue so that they stand out against other items in your handbag or pocket.
4. Call the Police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting your lost keys to the police immediately is important to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone using your car or even entering your home. In addition, reporting your loss in the early stages also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage as most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
If you contact the police and they'll inform you whether your keys were discovered by people or been taken. They'll also advise you on some preventative steps to take. If your keys haven't yet been found, they'll likely request you to provide details of the time you lost them and what you were doing before that incident.
Check your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry them, you should go back in time to try to remember when you lost keys. You may have dropped them on a table or your bag after reaching for something.
If you have a transponder key that works electronically, it must be paired with the car and this can only be done by a dealership. This can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the make and model of your car. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available on the GEICO mobile app. This service will save your time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Contact a Locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk when doing errands, they can be easily lost. This is a scenario that occurs often, since keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. It's impossible to stop this from happening all the time. However, you can take steps to lessen the chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea however, it isn't a guarantee that you won't lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device will help you locate your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys, making it easier to find.
If you can't find your car keys, you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace them. If you have proof of ownership, for example the registration or title of your vehicle, a locksmith will be able to create keys for you.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, but If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealership to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but be sure to check to see if the key you purchase can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful However, it doesn't need to be. By following the tips listed above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Just remember to keep cool and calm. Don't get scared! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one Everyone loses their car keys at some time or another.