Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can design an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However, the situation can often be much more grave. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search for items, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently wore or used. If replace lost car key lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.
It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you, including purses and jackets and feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bin in the event that your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost when we reach for them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and are eager to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're walking around 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 crowded space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys there ensure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands free to grab a bag full of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to every person.
When you lose something, it is important to call the police right away. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.
Before you begin, be sure to go back to your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last seen them. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car safe and prevent others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs such as new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.
5. Contact for a locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are some ways you can assist.
Retrace the steps you've taken and searching in the places in which you think they could have been left. If you're unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. 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.
Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace the locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your keys to your car at times and it could make your day miserable. It could be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the floor or maybe you put your keys down for a moment to grab something, but lost track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will create a paper trail and will help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an claim.
Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget the place you put keys.
There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on the phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other users can help you locate them if they are lost.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which does not contain chip) you can get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and cheapest option.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your car.
To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.