Lost My Car Key My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this eventuality.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

The best-case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more grave. If you lose your keys, it is important to remain calm and follow the steps.

It is important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and Lost my Car Key are often found in some very odd places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.

It might appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around, including those in purses and jackets and look around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bins in the event that keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something other.

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

3. Check the Outside

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

Examine desks and pockets that are overly filled with. It's also common to leave keys in a crowded spot such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to do this be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a little bit distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands free to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then make a police report to protect your car from theft. This is essential if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or any other place in public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw when you last glimpsed 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 help keep your car safe and stop others from using it (which could result in additional costs such as new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are, however, some things you can do to aid.

Start by retracing your steps and looking for areas you think you might have left them. If you're still unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut you a key or change the locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. It could be because you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the floor or maybe you put your key down for a moment to grab something and lost track of it.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This will also help you avoid getting fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered before filing a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will prevent you from having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. 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 can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to help you locate the keys if they aren't in range.

You can also prevent losing your keys lost for car by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider right away. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not have chip) you can simply get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.

For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You'll have to visit your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. This could cost of replacing lost car keys you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your car.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.