Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.

Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

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

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality the situation could be more grave. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

It is important to remember that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in some very odd locations. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or gaejang.segen.co.kr employees if they have noticed something unusual.

It might appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Take out all pockets that you carry around such as those in purses and jackets, and make sure to look around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the recycling and trash bins in case your keys got lost electric Key in your bag and were crushed by something else.

You could also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things go missing when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.

While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these areas.

Under the car is another common place to hide. However, if you do this make sure you open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Contact the police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry a bag of groceries. It happens to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then file a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or Upgrade says in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last saw them. It's also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always recommended to create an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few easy things you can try to aid.

Start by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you might have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Finally, contact locksmiths to see if they can help you find the keys you lost. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

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

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your keys to your car at times and it could ruin your day. You might have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost key in car to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an 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 prevent you from having to go through the stress of a car key 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 when you least think about it. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long working day and not remember the place you put them.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help find your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other users can help you locate them if you are lost.

You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

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

It may be more difficult for vehicles equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.