Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this eventuality.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a darker direction. If you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something different.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may appear obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Clean out all pockets that you carry around including purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bins in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
It may be helpful to go back again and look for places you know they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are packed. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a crowded spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.
Under the car is another common place to hide. However, if you do this, make sure you can access the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you can make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial when you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or in public.
Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you seen them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will help to keep your car safe and stop other people from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it is always a good idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple things you can try to aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you're still unable to find them, try searching inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys from time to time and it could cause you to lose your day. lost car key might have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.
It is important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This creates a paper trail and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being fined.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file a claim.
Keep an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be out on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and not remember where you put them.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other people can help you locate them if you are not in range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. If it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, establishing an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company immediately. You can be certain that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.
It might be more difficult for vehicles equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Based on the model and make of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home, especially the place that you tend to drop things.