What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

The loss of your car keys could be one of the most difficult experiences you endure. In the shuffle of school pick ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things sometimes are lost or misplaced.

Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Finding the key typically requires repeating your steps.

1. Retract Your Steps

It's no secret that keys are among of the most frequently used items that are lost. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car or you're trying to get ready for the day and drop your keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.

You'll need to repeat all your steps. This can be a challenge in a panic mode, but it's important to keep track of exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you went after that. It might be helpful to write down the steps you completed to be able to find them later.

If you've searched in the most obvious places but can't locate your keys you may have to look in different places. Examine your purses and pockets and the home. Keep in mind that your keys may be in the vicinity, but not in a place you'd think of. You can also find your keys by looking around other items that they are usually paired with like bags, laptops, or a wallet.

If you've tried all the options and still can't find your keys, it could be time to contact an 24 hour locksmith to help. But before you do that, try these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:

2. Find a spare key

It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions all by themselves. Once upon a time it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to get a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. With the introduction of key fob technology it is now much more difficult to replace keys lost.

It's best to keep a spare key handy. You won't have to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different place than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily lost. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't already have one. This will lower the possibility of losing your keys.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own you may be able to have a traditional key made by a locksmith or dealership. It is important to know that the dealer might need 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 using an electronic remote control. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only solution to start your car once more 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 put your keys in the same place each time you return home. You can put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.

3. Empty Your Pockets

The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. It can be a bit overwhelming and panicked if you lose your car keys.

Luckily, panicking will not help you locate your keys. In fact, it could cause more problems. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to resolve your problem as quickly as possible.

Begin by reviewing your day and recalling where you last saw them. Check all your bags and pockets in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to determine whether you've found them in any other places. Also, you can look inside your car to determine if they've been left there, but you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of your vehicle.

If you've checked everywhere else but are unable to locate your car keys that you lost then it's time to move on to more sophisticated searches. This includes looking in the freezer and fridge to find your keys. You'll have to shut and open both appliances and feel inside as you may find small objects.

Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another effective way to ensure you don't lose them. This makes it easier to locate them since they're more noticeable and are longer. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright hue so that they stand lost my spare car key out against other items in your bag or pockets.

4. Call the police

The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. Notifying the police of your lost car keys immediately is crucial to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone using your car, or even entering your home. In addition, reporting your loss early can also benefit you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith costs and replacement keys at the dealership.

They'll be able to inform you if they've found your keys or if they've been taken when you call them. They will also give you some suggestions on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely ask you to give details of the time you lost them and what you were doing before that happened.

Check your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry the key. After that then go back through your day and try to remember the place you lost keys replacement the keys. It's possible you put them down on a counter or searched your bag to find something and then the keys fell out.

If you have a transponder key that works electronically, it'll need to be linked to the car and this can be done at the dealership. It could cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your car. You can also call emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available via the GEICO mobile app. This service will help you save money and time by sending a mobile locksmith to you.

5. Contact a locksmith

When you're on the run and you put your car keys in your trunk for just a second, they can easily disappear. This is a scenario that plays out often, since keys to cars that are Lost My Spare Car Key are the 3rd most lost item in America1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. However, you can make steps to decrease the chances of losing them.

A spare key is a good idea however, it isn't a guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can aid in finding your keys should they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects the signal of your lost keys which makes it easier to locate.

If you can't locate the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will come and replace them. If you can provide evidence of ownership, like the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith will be able create a key for you.

Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, however If you own an electronic key or a remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealer to get one custom-made specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make certain to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific car.

The loss of your car keys can be stressful, but it does not need to be. You can get your keys back by following the tips above. Be sure to remain cool and calm. Don't get scared! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone has lost car keys with no spare their keys at one point in time.