Lost Car Keys What To Do My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.

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

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality, the situation can often be more grave. When you lose your keys, it is important to be calm and lost car keys what to Do not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It's important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in unusual locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can 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're unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

It might appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bin in the event that keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and you're eager to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are overly packed. 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. However, if you do this, make sure you remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also hide 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

Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a little distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat or you might need two free hands to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to everyone.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you saw your keys in your head. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and deter others from using it. (This could result in costs like new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key it's always recommended to create an exact copy of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Contact a locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they are busy or distracted. There are a few easy ways to assist.

Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you're still not able to locate them, check 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 are able to assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. 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 a number of days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge damper on your day. You might have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to take a look at something and then lost track.

Notifying a stolen or lost car keys replacement key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are covered prior to making a claim.

Consider buying an Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to deal with the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

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 you 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 stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow others can assist you to locate them if they are lost car key no spare.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. This way you can be assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.

It might be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. Depending on the model and make of your car, this could cost you upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office especially in areas where you are likely to lose things.