What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

The loss of your car keys could be one of the most stressful experiences you endure. Things are often lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery trips, and other chores.

Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Making a note of your steps and searching for a long time will often lead to finding the most crucial element.

1. Retract your Steps

It's not a secret that keys are one of the most popular items that are lost. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, distracted when you get out of your vehicle, or at home, trying to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. If you've lost your car keys There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith help.

You'll need to retrace every step. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last viewed your keys, or where you went afterward. It may be helpful to write down the steps you completed to be able to look them up later.

If you've retraced your steps and still can't find your car keys, it might be time to start looking in more obvious locations. Check any pockets or bags that you've worn throughout the day, and in your home. Keep in mind that your keys could be somewhere nearby - just not in a place you'd expect. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items that they are usually paired with like a laptop, purse or wallet.

If you have tried all these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. Before you call a locksmith, make sure you follow these tips to keep your keys from being lost again.

2. Find a spare key

It is not uncommon for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats, couch cushions or even simply by themselves. At one time, this was no big problem since it was easy to find an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. With the introduction of key fob technology, it has become more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.

It's best to always keep a spare car key on your side. A spare key will prevent you from having to call a tow truck, and will aid in getting your vehicle back if you happen to losing your key much simpler. It's best to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain, so that it's not as easy to lose. If you don't have a spare key, consider making one to decrease the chance of losing your keys.

Depending on the model of your car You can get traditional keys made by a locksmith, or a dealership. However, it is important to remember that the dealer might need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.

Many modern vehicles come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using the remote control. If you lose the fob the only way to get it back is to visit the locksmith or dealer to help them pair the replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a routine to place your keys in the exact same spot every when you get home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.

3. Empty your pockets

It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. You might feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.

Luckily, panicking won't help you locate your keys. It can cause more trouble. Be calm and use the steps below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.

Start by going back through your day and recollecting the last time you used them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also go back through your steps to determine whether you've found them anywhere else. Finally, lost key you can always check your car to see whether they've been discarded however you'll have to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior of the car.

If you've checked everywhere else and aren't able to locate your car keys, it's time to start more sophisticated searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where small items may have been hiding.

Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to connect them to a long lanyard or chain. This helps you keep track of them and also make them harder to lose because of the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright hue to make them are visible against other items in your bag or pocket.

4. Contact the police

It's evident that the first thing you need to do after losing your car keys is to contact the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon you lose them to ensure you don't have any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or coming into your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss at an early stage can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage since most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.

If you contact the police and they'll inform you if your keys have been found by people or have been stolen. They will also give you some tips on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll likely ask you for details about when you lost them and where you were before that.

Check your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry the key. After that take a walk through your day and try to remember the place you lost the keys. You might have tossed them on a table, or in your bag when you reached for something.

If you own transponder keys that operate electronically, it'll need to be connected to your car, which can only be done at the dealership. This could cost a few hundred dollars, based on your car's brand and model. You can also contact GEICO for assistance in an emergency that is available 24/7 via the GEICO app. This service will save you money and lost key time by sending a mobile locksmith to you.

5. Call a Locksmith

If you place your keys in the trunk when making errands, they could quickly disappear. This is a scenario that occurs often, since keys missing from cars are the 3rd most lost keys car item in America1. It's impossible to stop this from happening all the time. However, you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.

The use of a spare key may help, but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will assist you in finding your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects an indication from your lost key and makes it easier to find.

If you cannot find your car keys, contact a locksmith who will come and replace them. If you can provide proof of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith can create keys for you.

Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace. If you have a remote key fob, or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have one made. You can also buy replacement keys on the internet. But, ensure you verify that the key can be programmed to your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys could be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. By following the tips listed above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Be calm and do not get in a panic! Remember that you are not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.