Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this situation.
It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unwanted calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). But, in reality things often take a much more gloomy turn. When you lose your keys, it's essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.
It is also important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in some very unusual places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for items, as a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're still not finding your car keys after retracing your steps and checking at common locations like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you've lost them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed something unusual.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem like common sense however, you must be thorough. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Check the zippered areas. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Examine desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. lost car key 's also not uncommon to leave keys in a congested area, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you can open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful 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're a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.
When you lose something, it's important to call the police right away. This way, you will be able to file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your home or at the store or at a location that is public.
Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last seen them. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs such as new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it is always a good idea to make copies of it in the event that this happens to you again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few basic ways to help.
Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you lose your car keys, and it can put a major impact on your day. It might be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your key down to grab something, but lost the track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to making claims.
Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will save you from going through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least think about it. You might be running an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and forget where you placed keys.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that others can assist you to find them if they are lost.
You can also prevent losing your keys by always putting them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately if you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which doesn't have chips) you can purchase a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.
For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You'll need go to your local dealer to get a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure 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 great idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.
