Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there's the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a more dire direction. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. To do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost them in the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they have noticed something unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem obvious however, you must be thorough. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Feel around every zippered area. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many items are lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, i ve lost my car keys and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too filled with. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might just require two hands to carry a load of food items. It happens to everyone.

When you lose something, it is important to call the police right immediately. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you seen them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's always recommended to create a copy of it in case this happens to you again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few basic ways to help.

Start by retracing the steps you'i ve lost my car keys taken and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you're still struggling to find them, try searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth having a quick look.

Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge damper on your day. It could be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your keys down for a second to grab something and lost track of it.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. It also stops you from getting penalized.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will eliminate the stress of having to replace lost keys your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and forget where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other users can help you locate them if they are out of range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by always putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the entry table or an iron by the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

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

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

It might be more difficult for vehicles that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the model and make of your car it could cost you upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.