How To Replace Car Keys When Lost to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys

The loss of your car keys can be a major headache. There are some steps you can take to prevent this from happening.

Keep your car keys safe by using traditional key chains or decluttering your office or home. If you need more complex keys, talk to your dealer or locksmith.

Retract Your Steps

You are able to find your keys by following your steps. This is a common piece of advice, but it can be very useful in finding lost items. The first step is to look back to the last place you recall seeing your keys. If you dropped your keys after getting out of the car, make sure you check your garage and driveway. Look under all the things that could have fallen onto the table, if you dropped them.

If retracing steps doesn't work, record everything you did that day to aid in remembering where your keys could be. This could also narrow down your search.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's the worst feeling to lose your keys, especially when you're running late. It's easy to get distracted and then set them down in a random place at home. It is important to place your keys back in the exact spot after you've used them. This will help you make it a habit, and you'll know where to look for keys in the future.

Begin by retracing the steps you followed and examining common places where you may have left your keys. This includes tables, how to replace car keys when lost counters and hooks for keys. Also, look inside bags and pockets to see if the items have been taken out.

Next, check the interior of your vehicle. Many people keep their keys inside a compartment or bag inside the car. If your keys have a fob, it's also a good idea to remove the fob from its holder and then look around it to see if it's gone missing.

In the end, it's a good idea to check the house itself. Many people forget to remove their keys before entering the house, especially if they're wearing coats. Examining your pockets and emptying any bags is the best starting point however, it's also worth checking the cushions of your sofa and checking underneath furniture to see whether they're there. If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it may be time to call a locksmith. If you're lucky enough, they'll be able to help you retrieve the keys. If they don't, it's likely they've been lost key fob forever and you'll need to buy another set.

Try turning the car on

Keep an extra car key in your glove box to prevent being locked out. This will allow you to get back into your vehicle, even if your key fob.

If your keys are missing, you're out of luck. The reason is that the keyfob has an electronic component that transmits an alert to the ignition. If it does not receive this signal it will not start.

Many car manufacturers have built a fail-safe for their vehicles to avoid this issue. If the battery fails in your key fob it will not be able to send the signal needed to enable the ignition of your vehicle. However, some cars have a switch that is hidden beneath the steering wheel that can be turned without the use of your key fob. Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle for directions on how to turn on the switch.

A few different methods can be used to begin the car using an unresponsive key fob however, it's usually dangerous and risky. Some methods employ a screwdriver to open the ignition while others utilize hot wiring, a method that reroutes the battery wires to start the engine. It is recommended to leave these methods to an auto expert who has the equipment needed. In most cases this, it is also necessary for the expert to remove a few modules from the vehicle in order to access the appropriate security elements. The last option is to let the dealer program the new key fob to connect to your vehicle.

Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company right away after you lose your keys. This will prevent anyone from trying to use your lost keys and provide you with peace of mind. If you don't report the missing keys to your car in time, you might discover that someone has used them and caused damage to your vehicle doors or ignition.

It's a sad fact that car thefts are increasing especially when the owner has left their keys in the car. Thankfully, some insurers offer key replacement insurance as an optional rider to their comprehensive insurance policies. The cost and requirements of this coverage vary from one insurance policy to the next.

The majority of companies only cover a small portion of the cost to replace the key fob, which can be costly. If you have a smart key that opens your doors or start the engine, it can be even more costly to replace. In this scenario it might be worth looking into alternatives such as a roadside assistance plan that includes a locksmith.

You should also contact the car's manufacturer to see if they can provide replacement fobs for lost ones. Some brands sell them direct and even pair a new one with your vehicle at the dealership. These services can be less expensive than having your car towed into the dealership, and they can be faster, too. However, it is important to consider the cost of your deductible when you are considering these options.

Call a locksmith

There are many reasons to lose your car keys. Keep a spare car key handy or make use of one of the many Bluetooth trackers that are available to prevent this. This will let you locate your car in a matter of seconds, and avoid having to spend money on a locksmith or getting taken back to the dealer.

If you do end up losing the keys to your car, it is essential to report the loss immediately. This will ensure that your keys are not taken away or used by anyone else. This will help ensure that you are protected by your insurance company in the case of an insurance claim.

If you've lost your car keys you should first check all the usual locations where they are kept. Contact a professional locksmith for an alternative. They can usually make this happen immediately and will make use of the latest technology to make a duplicate key and program it.

It is essential to choose a locksmith professional with the required experience in creating these types of replacement keys. They should be equipped with the appropriate tools to remove stuck or bent keys without further harming them. They must be able to provide you a guarantee on their work.

Some dealerships are able to create new keys for customers, but this can cost more than working with a locksmith outside. You should also determine whether your insurance covers the cost of a dealership or locksmith.