Lost My Car Keys? Here’s What to Do
You’ll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn’t matter whether you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). However the situation could be much more grave. When you lose your keys, it is important to remain calm and retrace the steps.
It’s important to keep in mind that most things won’t disappear forever, and they’re often found in some very unusual places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it’s a good idea to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you’re still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you’ve lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might seem like common sense, but you should be thorough. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You can also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn’t in, like the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You’ve had a tiring day and just want to go back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you’re going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a busy area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you do this make sure you are able to open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys.
You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we’re a little distracted. You might be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to every person.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is essential if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Before you do this make sure you retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last seen them. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and deter others from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always recommended to create copies of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Call an expert locksmith
It’s normal for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they’re distracted or in a hurry. There are, however, some things you can do to help.
Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you may have abandoned them. If you’re unable to locate them, consider looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from their keychains or the visor It’s a good idea to take having a quick look.
Last but not least, contact locksmiths to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace lost car key the locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle’s registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances that you’ll lose your car keys and it can put a huge damper on your day. It could be because you were running a quick run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or perhaps you put your key down for a moment to grab something, but lost track of it.
It is important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper trail and helps keep other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting penalized.
The homeowner’s insurance policy could cover your keys if reported them as Lost Keys To My Car to local police. They are considered personal property. It’s best to call your agent and confirm that you’re covered prior to making claims.
Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the headache of replacing your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes, you’ll lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember the place you put the keys.
There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that others can assist you to find them if they are not in range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn’t matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It’s important to notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.
For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You will need to visit your local dealership to get a replacement lost car keys key. This can cost you up to $200, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you’re likely to lose things.