lost my Car key My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this scenario.

You should contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality things can take a more dire turn. When you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. To do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you for items, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have 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.

Checking your pockets and Lost My Car key bags for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should take the time to do it with care. Clean out all pockets that you carry around such as those in jackets and purses and check every zippered space. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bin in case your keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something other.

You could also retrace your footsteps and search in places where the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items are lost when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and are eager to get home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys have disappeared.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to leave keys in a messy spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to do this, make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your car because a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.

You can also hide your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't put them there too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you close the car door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we're a bit distracted. You might be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you can file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside your home at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.

Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from the last time you glimpsed your keys in your mind. It's also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's an excellent idea to make a copy of it in case this happens to you again.

5. Call for a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple tips you can use to help.

Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

When you do call a locksmith, make sure to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it can make your day miserable. It might be that you were running an task and left keys on the floor or maybe you put your key down for a moment to grab something, but lost the track of it.

It is crucial to report a replace lost key key immediately to the police. This will create a paper trail and will help to stop others from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from getting 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 still best to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing an claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

You can 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 might be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember the place you put keys.

There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them in case your keys are not in range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to keep them in the same place every time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be sure that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not have chip) you can purchase an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.

It might be more difficult for cars equipped with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.