Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how organized you are. When this happens it's crucial to know what to do.

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality things tend to take a more dire turn. If you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may appear obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. Sometimes, items disappear when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are overly cluttered. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a congested area such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure you open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.

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

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat or you might need two free hands to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.

When you lose something, it's important to call the police right away. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside your home or at the store or in a public place.

Before you do this ensure that you follow your steps. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you saw your keys in your mind. It's also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car secure and also stop others from using it (which could lead to additional costs such as new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are some things you can do to help.

Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may be. If you're still struggling to find them, try looking inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They may be able make you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes 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. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have put them down to take a look at something and lost track.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get fined.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if 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 before making a claim.

You should consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the headache of replacing your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any time. You might be running an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and not remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app for your phone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they are not in range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key car lost it is easy to purchase an additional one from any locksmith or lost my car keys hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.

It could be more difficult for cars that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get a new key. Based on the make and model of your car it could cost upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.