Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. When this happens it is crucial to know what to do.

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

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or Lost auto key replacement not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality things can take a darker turn. It is important to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

It's important to remember that most things aren't lost keys in car for ever, and are often found in strange places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. To accomplish this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost them at the store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.

It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Take out all pockets you have on you such as those in jackets and purses and look around every zippered area. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items are lost when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You could also leave your keys lost for car in a busy space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you are able to remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys in the seat, or you might require two hands free to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to all of us.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have Lost My Car Key anything. This way, you can file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your house, at the store, or in a public place.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last saw them. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is a great idea. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from using it (which may result in extra expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it is always recommended to create copies of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few easy tips you can use to assist.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching in the places you believe they may be. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth a quick look in there.

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

When you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. You could have been on a quick errand when you accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.

It is crucial to report lost keys immediately to the police. This creates a paper trail and will help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

Consider investing in a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys, and give you 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 out on an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed them.

There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to help find your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that other people can help you find them if they are out of range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to place them in the same place each time you return home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider immediately. You can be sure that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

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

It might be more difficult for cars equipped with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your car.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.