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

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. When this happens it's crucial to know what to do.

Based on the model of your car the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more grave. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of 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 revisit your steps and search thoroughly. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you for items, g28 as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around, including purses and jackets, and make sure to look around every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

You could also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many times, items disappear when we try to find them but then take them off and G28 forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are filled with. You may also leave your keys in a congested area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to do this be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.

4. Call the Police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You might be running a quick errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might just need two free hands to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is essential if you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or in public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last saw them. It is 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 stop other people from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always recommended to create an exact copy of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Call a locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are several actions you can take to aid.

Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you're unable to locate them, try searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it can cause you to lose your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you put your key down for a second to grab something but lost track of it.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper trail and can keep others from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid getting punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost keys for car to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to go through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You might be running an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed them.

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on the phone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to help find your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other people can help you find them if they are not in range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you place them in an table in the entryway or on a hook by the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to notify your insurance company right away. You can be sure that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.

It might be more difficult for vehicles equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office especially in areas that you tend to drop things.