How to Get Back a Lost Key For Car
A lost key can be an inconvenience however it doesn't need to be. You can easily find it and avoid any problems.
Keys are among the most easy things to lose. They're small and lightweight, making them easy to misplace. Depending on the car you drive it can be expensive to replace.
Retract your Steps
You've probably been through it as you head home to put on your sweats or order a pizza and binge-watch a favorite show and then discover that your keys have disappeared. Sometimes you'll just forget your keys in the car and other times you'll get them lost on a crowded sidewalk or misplace them while out and out and about. It's never fun to lose your keys, but you can make it easier by following these suggestions.
Try retracing the steps you took. Close your eyes, relax and try to visualize the last place you remember holding them in your hand. This will make it easier to remember key clues which will help you locate them.
If linked web page going to retrace your steps, be sure you look around your immediate vicinity that they could be. You don't know for sure whether they "drifted off" the table or kitchen counter.
If you cannot find them, contact a locksmith or dealership. You'll be able to get a replacement sooner when you have a spare key. You'll need to give important information about your car during the phone call to ensure that you get the right key.
This includes the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the year and make of your vehicle. This information is usually found on your insurance card or registration documents. Giving this information will save you lots of time in the future as it's harder to identify the right key when you don't have another to compare it to. Some keys require a transponder that is difficult to duplicate without the right equipment.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's not always easy to remember the location of your car keys. Often, it's the result of a busy day or an effort to get everything done in one go. You may have lost it in the rush to complete errands, or you might have lost it on the way home. Whatever the reason, lost keys can be an aggravating and stressful. There are ways you can do to lessen the likelihood of losing your car keys again.
Retrace your steps. Find places where you might have dropped them and can't find them, like on the ground or in a nearby shrubbery. You can also use the "find my vehicle" feature on your smart phone If you own one. If this doesn't work for you then you should try contacting the manufacturer or dealer to find out if they have any suggestions or can help you with changing the key fob's programming should you need to.
Examine the places you typically keep your keys. It's not unusual to have a designated location in your home in which you keep your spare key. Unfortunately, these locations are usually easy to access for burglars. Keep a spare key outside the vehicle in a hidden place.
A spare car key can be tucked away in a variety of locations such as under a mat, around the back of the seat, or even inside the trunk. If you spot a spot in which you typically store your spare, take a close look at it to ensure it's really there and hasn't been moved.
Take a look inside your backpack or handbag if you are constantly in motion. Look through all pockets, compartments and zippered areas to locate your keys. You should also inspect the area around the passenger and driver's seats.
If you share a room with roommates or family members ask them if they have seen your car keys that you have left. It's amazing how many times people can recall the location of something we lost, and that is especially true with regard to a car key.
Check Inside Your Car
Losing your car keys is a frustrating experience, especially because you can't drive it without them. Don't be worried. It's more common than you imagine to lose a key to your car, and there are a lot of ways to solve the problem without much effort.
Retrace your steps is the first thing to do. It may seem obvious but in a state of situation of stress and urgency, it's difficult to remember where your key fob was last seen. Also, you should check your home to make sure you haven't left your keys in a place that isn't part of your normal routine, like in a bag or pocket.
If you're still unable to locate your key fob inside your vehicle, it's probably time to take a look at. Carefully search through all of the areas that are visible and be sure to check between and under the seats for pockets or crevices. If you have recently used your keys, switch on the car again and make sure the ignition is working.
One of the most common places to leave keys is in your coat pocket. This can happen if you're changing clothes at home or if you wear the same jacket wherever you go. Always carry a spare set of keys and keep them in a different spot when you return home from work.
You may also have left your keys in the car. It could happen in the course of an errand and then get out of the car to grab something. Then, you put your keys on your seat. If you find yourself doing this a lot, it is a good idea for you to invest in a locking keybox or remote starter system that keeps your keys secure.
Even if you have done all of the above, your keys may be lost for good. In this instance you should call an expert locksmith to locate the keys and replace them when required.
Call a Locksmith
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys (or worse, locking yourself out of your vehicle) was not an problem. You could have keys in your house or at the office, and you're unlikely to be locked out of your car for long.
As cars have advanced in technology as have their key systems. Losing your key is a greater issue today and can cost you more in the future.
It is important to look for the key in depth. You might find it in a forgotten pocket or on the floor of your car. If you're still unable to locate the key, contact a locksmith immediately. A professional can create you a new key swiftly and easily, and they will also wipe your old key off the system, ensuring that anyone who comes across it won't be able drive away with your vehicle.
You can also contact the dealership where you purchased your vehicle. You can also request a new key at the dealership, but you'll have to wait for it to arrive in the mail. This can take a few days, so make sure you contact a locksmith right away.
Check your insurance policy to see if your keys are covered. Some policies cover the cost of a replacement key as well as any damage caused by someone using the old one. This means that you don't have to pay out-of-pocket for the costs, and your insurance company will be able to file a claim against the person who took your keys to your vehicle. It is also important to notify your insurance company in writing of the incident. This will avoid any disputes later on if you end up filing an insurance claim for keys lost. It is essential to keep an extra car key in the go. You can keep it with a relative or even a locksmith in your area in the event that you lose your keys.