Lost 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.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However, in reality, things tend to take a more gloomy direction. If you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Remember that many things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you for you, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and checking common places like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've lost your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.

It may seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you carry including those in purses and jackets, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. You should also look in 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 look for places you know they're not, such as the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items are lost when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are too cluttered. You could 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 decide to hide your keys under the car ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because 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 could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might just require two hands free to carry a load of food items. It happens to every person.

When you lose something, it's crucial to notify the police right immediately. You can then make a police report to protect your car from theft. This is crucial if you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always an excellent idea to make a copy of it in case this happens to you again.

5. Call an expert locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are several things you can do to assist.

Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Lastly, call locksmiths to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able make you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. It could be that you were running an run and forgot to put them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down for a second to grab something but lost the track of it.

It's important to report replace lost key keys as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting penalized.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to making a claim.

You should consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the headache of replacing your car keys and ensure that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to help find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to help you locate them in case your keys are out of range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by always putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. If it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, establishing the habit will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys or Lost Keys if they're stolen. 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 have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.

For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You will likely have visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.