Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. When this happens it's crucial to be prepared.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality things tend to take a more gloomy direction. It is important to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It's also important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in some very odd locations. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.

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, look for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you've Lost Keys For My Car them in a store, ask other customers or workers to determine if they saw anything out of the ordinary.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem like common sense however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and look for places you are sure they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. A lot of times, things disappear when we reach for them but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

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

Make sure you check your desks and lost car Keys Cost pockets that are overly packed. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys there ensure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a bit distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always a good idea to make a copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy ways to aid.

Begin by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations in which you think they could have been left. If you're still struggling to locate them, try searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

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

When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.

Reporting a stolen or lost key in car key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before you file an insurance claim.

Consider investing in the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

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

There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on the phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them in case your keys are not in range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to place them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be certain that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain chips) you can purchase a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

It could be more difficult for cars that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle, this could cost you upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.