Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there's the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality the situation could be much more serious. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

It is important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they're often found in some very unusual places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. To do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.

It might seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Take out all pockets you carry including purses and jackets, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Many items are lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and just want to go home, put on your comfy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are filled with. It's also common to leave keys in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these areas.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys under the car be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you close the car door.

4. Call the Police

We can lose things when we are distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat or lost car keys with no spare you might just require two hands to carry a load of food items. It happens to everyone.

If you have lost my key something, it's important to notify the police right away. This way, you will be able to file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop or any other place in public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last saw them. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new locks for doors and lost car keys with no Spare ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. Luckily, there are a few ways you can aid.

Retrace your steps and searching the areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to find them, try searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth a quick look in there.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you lose your car keys, and it can put a huge downer on your day. It could be because you were running an task and left them on the seat or maybe you set your keys down for a moment to grab something, but lost track of it.

Reporting a lost car keys with no spare or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid being fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could cover them since they're considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to making claims.

Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will eliminate the headache of replacing your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app for your phone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that others can assist you to find them if they are not in range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always put them in the same spot each time you return 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

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company immediately. That way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain chip) you can simply get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.

It might be more difficult for cars that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll have go to your local dealer to get a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your car this could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, 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 particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.