Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

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

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality, things tend to take a darker turn. If you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and follow the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something different.

It might appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around, including those in jackets and purses and check every zippered space. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You can also retrace your steps and search places where the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost key to car no spare when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too cluttered. You may also leave your keys in a congested space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this, make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys.

You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.

4. Call the police

We are prone to get lost car keys cost when we are distracted. You could be running an errand and put your keys on the seat or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of food items. It happens to all of us.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the shop or in public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene from the last time you looked at your keys in your mind. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea should you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Call for a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, a few things you can do to aid.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. 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.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact 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 can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge downer on your day. You might have been running an easy errand and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This creates a paper trail and helps keep others from using your vehicle without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before filing a claim.

Think about purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You might be running an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and not remember where you put keys.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other people can help you find them if they are not in range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately if you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. That way, you can rest sure that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen 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 the quickest and cheapest solution.

It could be more difficult for vehicles that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll need go to your local dealer to purchase a new key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home, especially the place that you tend to drop things.