Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

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

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However the situation could be much more grave. When you lose your keys, it is important to remain calm and follow the steps.

Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. To accomplish this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you search, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in common places like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you've replace lost car key cost them at a store, ask employees or customers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.

It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycle bin in the event that keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost keys to car no spare when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys have disappeared.

While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to lose your keys in a congested area like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to do this ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up the food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.

If you have lost something, it is important to notify the police right immediately. This way, you will be able to file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside your home, at the store, or somewhere else public.

Before you do this, be sure to follow your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you looked at your keys in your head. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always a good idea to make copies of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Contact a locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few things you can do to assist.

Start by retracing the steps you took and searching in the places in which you think they could have been left. If you are still unable to locate them, local make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact locksmiths to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even change 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 whenever you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Call 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. It could be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you set your keys down to grab something but lost the track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get penalized.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing a claim.

Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be out on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long working day and forget where you placed them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best options 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 your phone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to help find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in finding them if your keys aren't in range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same spot each time you return home. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be assured that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not contain a chip) you can get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

It could be more difficult for vehicles with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will likely have go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending 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. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.