Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there's the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. In the event of this happening, it's important to be prepared.
You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.
The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. It is essential to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something different.
It might seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Take out all pockets you carry, including purses and jackets and check every zippered space. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bins in case keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.
It could be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you know they're not, such as the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items are lost when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and you're eager to get home, put on your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If lost vehicle key replacement decide to do this be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the police
It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys on the seat or you might need two free hands to carry a load of food items. It happens to everyone.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial when you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you glimpsed your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car safe and also stop other people from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Contact 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 hurry. There are a few easy tips you can use to assist.
Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Last but not least, contact locksmiths to see if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able make you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key according to your particular situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your keys to your car at times and it can ruin your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to grab something for a moment and lost track.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This creates a paper trail and will help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being punished.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.
Consider purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the headache of replacing your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
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 small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them in case your keys are out of range.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always place them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping the habit will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car 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 an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.
For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You will likely have visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Depending on the make and model of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.