lost car keys cost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this situation.

Based on the model of your car the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and even lead to unwanted calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). In reality the situation could be more serious. It is crucial to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and conduct a thorough search. In order to do this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you for items, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around including those in jackets and Lost My Car Key purses and look around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the recycling and trash bins in the event that keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and you're eager to go back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a bit distracted. You may be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you may require two hands free to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to all.

If you have lost something, it's crucial to notify the police right away. This way, you can submit a claim and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is important when you have lost my car key your keys outside your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Before you start, be sure to go back to your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last seen them. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help keep your car secure and also stop other people from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's always a good idea to make copies of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are, however, some actions you can take to assist.

Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have left them. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for lost my car key people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact an locksmith to see if they can help you find the keys you lost. They might be able to cut you a key or change your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys at times and it could ruin your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and then lost track.

It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car key lost replacement without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to making an insurance claim.

You should consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to deal with the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Keys can be lost at any time. You could be on the run and you forget to place them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening again in the future. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to help you locate them in case your keys are not in reach.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to put them in the same place each time you arrive home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, keeping a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. It is likely that you will need to go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in areas where you lose things.