What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most difficult experiences you endure. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things often get lost.
Don’t be afraid to take a deep breath. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract your steps
It’s no secret that keys are among of the most popular objects that get lost. Whether you’re running an errand and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you’re at home trying to prepare for the day, and then drop your keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith in case you’ve lost your keys.
You’ll need to repeat all of your steps. It isn’t easy to remember where you were when you last viewed your keys, and also where you went afterward. It might also be helpful to note down your steps, so that you can be able to refer back to them later on.
If you have searched in obvious locations but can’t locate your keys you may have to look in other places. Check your pockets and bags and the home. Be aware that your keys are probably in the vicinity, but not in a place you’d think of. You can also locate your keys by looking around other items they are usually paired with like the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you’ve tried all of these options and you’re still not able to locate your keys, it might be time to contact an 24 hour locksmith to help. Before calling a locksmith, try these tips to keep your keys from disappearing once more.
2. Get a spare key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from coat pockets, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. It used to be easy to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology it is now much more difficult to replace keys lost.
It is recommended to always have a spare car key on hand. A spare key will prevent you from having to call an tow truck and aid in getting your vehicle back if you happen to losing your keys much easier. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than your usual keychain, so it’s not as easily lost. 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 an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith, or at a dealership, based on the car’s model. It is crucial to remember that the dealer will need to program the key to fit your vehicle.
A lot of modern cars come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car with a remote control. If you lose the fob, your only option is to visit the locksmith or dealer to help them match the replacement fob with your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, keep a routine of place your keys in the same location each time you return home. It could be in the entry table, a bowl on your front porch or even a hook by the door, it will 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 a terrible feeling. You may feel helpless and anxious if you’i ve lost my car keys lost car key how to replace your car keys.
Panicking won’t solve your problem and may make it worse. Keep calm and use the steps below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.
Start by going back through your day and recalling where you had them last. Check all your pockets and bags in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also retrace the steps you followed to see if they were found anywhere else. You can also check your vehicle, but you’ll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and interior.
If you have searched everywhere else but still can’t find your car keys, then it’s time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes looking in the freezer and fridge to find your keys. You’ll need to open and close each of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where small objects might be hiding.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to connect them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This makes it easier to locate them because they are more noticeable and are longer. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Call the Police
It’s evident that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is call the police. It is essential to report lost keys car keys to your car as soon as you lose them so that you don’t have problems with someone using your vehicle or coming into your home. The early reporting of your loss can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.
They’ll be able to tell you if they have found your keys or if they have been stolen when you call them. They’ll also provide advice on the steps you can take. If they can’t locate your keys they’ll likely ask you for details about the date you lost them and where you were before that.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn’t function electronically, the first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets and anywhere else you normally carry them. After you’ve checked your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry them, you should go back to the beginning of time to recall the time you lost keys. It’s possible that you set them down on a counter somewhere or reached into your bag to grab something and then keys dropped out.
If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it will need to be linked to the car and this can be done at a dealership. This can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency, which is always available through the GEICO app. This service will save you time and money by providing an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you’re out running errands and you put your car keys in your trunk for a moment and they’ll disappear. This scenario is frequent, considering that keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. You can’t prevent this from happening every day. However, you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
The use of a spare key may aid, but it won’t guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal of your lost keys, making it easier to find.
If you can’t find your car keys, you should call locksmiths to come out and replace the keys. If you have evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle A locksmith can create keys for you.
The traditional keys are the easiest to replace. If you have a remote key fob or smart key, you’ll need to contact your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also purchase replacement keys online. But, ensure you check if the key can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful But it doesn’t need to be. You can retrieve your keys by following these tips. Be sure to remain cool and calm. Don’t get scared! Keep in mind that you’re not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.