What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be among the most frustrating experiences you can endure. Things can get lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.

Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Finding the key usually involves retracing your steps.

1. Retract Your Steps

It's no fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. If you're on the run and are distracted when you're getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day, and then drop your keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. If you've lost keys to your car, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith help.

You'll have to go back through all of your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last looked at your keys, and also where you went afterwards. It can also be helpful to record your steps, so that you can be able to refer back to them later on.

If you've searched in the most obvious places but can't locate your keys you may need to look in other places. Be sure to check your bags or pockets that you've been carrying around throughout the day, as well as your home. Keep in mind that your keys could be located nearby, but not in the place you'd expect. It can also be helpful to locate your keys near any other items they are typically associated with, such as laptops or purses.

If you have tried every option but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a 24-hour emergency locksmith. But before you do that, try some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the future.

2. Find a spare key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear into coat pockets, under couch cushions, vehicle or just plain vanish altogether. It used to be easy to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology it has become more difficult to replace keys lost.

It is advisable to keep an extra car key on your side. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck, and will help you get your vehicle back in the event of losing your key a lot simpler. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different place than your normal keychain so it's not as easily misplaced. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already have one. This will reduce the likelihood of losing your keys.

You can usually have a traditional car key made by a locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle's model. However, it is important to know that the dealer may have to program the key for your particular vehicle.

A lot of modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that allows you to unlock the car with an electronic remote control. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only way to get your car started again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and ask them to pair a new fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, try to make it a habit to keep your keys in the same location each time you return home. It could be in the entry table, the bowl on your front porch, or even a hook near the door, it will make it easier to remember the location of your keys and where you can find them in the future.

3. Empty Your Pockets

The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. You might feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys.

Doing something to solve your issue won't help and may make it worse. Try to remain calm and follow the steps listed below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.

Begin by reminiscing about your day and remembering the last place you were when you last saw them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat your steps to determine whether you've seen them anywhere else. Finally, you can always examine your vehicle to determine whether they've been discarded however, you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the vehicle.

If you've looked everywhere else and aren't able to locate your car keys that you lost, it's time to move on to more advanced searches. You can also search in your freezer and fridge. You'll need to open and shut each appliance and look inside for small things.

Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another great way to prevent losing them. This will allow you to keep track of them as well as making them more difficult to find due to the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright shade to make them are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.

4. Call the police

It's obvious that the first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is call the police. It is crucial to report your lost keys to your car as soon you lose them to ensure you don't run into any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. Reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.

When you call the police, they'll be able to inform you whether your keys were discovered by someone or have been stolen. They will also give you some advice on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely ask you to provide details of the time you lost them and what you were doing prior to that happened.

If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't operate electronically, the first thing to do is check your bags, pockets and anywhere else you normally carry them. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, look back to the beginning of time to recall the time you lost keys. It's possible that you set them on a counter, or reached into your bag to get something and the keys fell out.

This can only be done by the dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. This can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, based on the brand and model of your vehicle. You can also contact GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies and is available through the GEICO app. This service could save you time and money by providing an emergency locksmith on the move for you.

5. Contact a Locksmith

If you place your keys in your trunk while doing errands, they can be easily lost. This is a scenario that happens all too often, as keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening all the time. But you can make steps to lessen the chance of losing them.

A spare key is a good idea, however, it isn't a guarantee that you won't lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain will assist you in finding your keys if they do get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal from your keys that have been lost, making it easier to find.

If you can't locate your car keys, call locksmiths who will visit and replace lost car key cost the keys. The locksmith will be able to make a new key for you, vehicle provided that you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.

The traditional keys are the most straightforward to replace. If you own a remote key fob, or smart key, you'll have to call your dealer to have one made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but be sure to check to see if the key you purchase can be programmed to the specific vehicle you own.

Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience, but it isn't necessary to be. By following the tips listed above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm and don't get stressed! Remember that you are not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.