Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be prepared.

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality, things tend to take a darker turn. If you lose your keys, it's essential to remain calm and follow the steps.

It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in odd places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for items, as a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you lost them in the store, talk to others who are customers or employees to see if they noticed anything unusual.

It might seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you have on you, including those in purses and jackets, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bins in case keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something other.

You could also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost car keys cost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and just want to get home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you do this make sure you remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up the groceries. It happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Before you begin make sure you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene you saw when you last saw your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing 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 recommended to create an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Call a locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic things you can try to aid.

Retrace your steps, and then searching for Lost My Car Keys places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, according to your particular situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it could make your day miserable. It might be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down for a second to grab something and lost track of it.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or any of the other options available. This will save you the stress of having to replace lost car keys your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

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

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to assist you in finding your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that others can assist you to locate them if you are lost.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you put them in an entry table or a hook by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to find your keys 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 if they're stolen. That way, you can rest sure that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll likely need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office especially in areas where you are likely to lose things.