Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this situation.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you must make is to 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 the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.
lost my car key and have no spare is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, in reality, things tend to take a darker direction. When you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps.
It is important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in unusual locations. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you've lost them at the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.
It might appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bin in case keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something else.
It could be beneficial to go back again and look for places you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items disappear when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Examine desks and pockets that are overly filled with. You may also leave your keys in a congested space, like the door handle or refrigerator.
Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a bit distracted. You may be running a quick errand and put your keys in the seat, or you might just require two hands to carry a load of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to every person.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from theft. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last saw them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's an excellent idea to make a copy of it in the event that this occurs again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy tips you can use to assist.
Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have left them. If you're still unable to locate them, try searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, according to your particular situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys from time to time and it can ruin your day. It might be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your keys down for a second to grab something, but lost track of it.
It is important to report lost keys immediately to the police. This creates a paper trail and can to stop others from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from getting fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered prior to making an insurance claim.
Think about purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least would. You might be running an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and forget the place you put the keys.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on the phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help find your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other people can help you locate them if they are out of range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same place every time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, establishing an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. This way, you can rest assured that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not have chips) you can simply get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.
It could be more difficult for cars with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. Based on the model and make of your car, this could cost you upwards of $200.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere other than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.