What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be among the most stressful experiences you experience. In the chaos of school pick ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things often get misplaced.

Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Finding the key typically requires going back to your steps.

1. Retract your Steps

It's not a fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. It could happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, distracted while getting out of your car or at home rushing to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.

In the beginning, you'll need to retrace your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode however, it's crucial to keep track of exactly where you last seen your keys and the places that you went following that. It may be useful to write down the steps you completed to be able to look them up later.

If you've tried searching in the most obvious places but can't locate your keys you might need to look elsewhere. Check your pockets and bags and the home. Remember that your keys could be in close proximity - they're just not in an obvious place. It could also be helpful to locate your keys in the vicinity of other items they're usually associated with, such as the laptop or purse.

If you've tried all of these options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do that, try some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the near future:

2. Find an extra key

It is not uncommon for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions all by themselves. It was once easy to replace a lost key at any hardware or locksmith store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it is now much more difficult to replace keys lost.

This is why it's best to keep a spare key handy. A spare key will save you from calling an tow truck and aid in getting your vehicle back losing your key a lot simpler. It's best to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain to ensure it isn't as easy to lose. If you don't have an extra key, think about having one made to minimize the possibility of losing your keys.

It is possible to get an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith or a dealership, depending on the model of your car. It is important to know that the dealer might need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.

A lot of modern cars come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car with the remote control. If you lose the fob, your only option is to visit the locksmith or dealer to help them connect an alternative fob to your vehicle. Make it a routine to place your keys in the exact same spot each when you get home. Whether it's in the entry table or the bowl on your front porch or even a hook near the door, it can aid in remembering the location of your keys and where you can find them in the future.

3. Empty your pockets

Losing your car keys is an extremely painful experience. It can be a bit overwhelming and frantic if you lose your car keys.

Panicking won't solve your problem and may even cause it to get worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to fix your problem as quickly as you can.

Begin by reminiscing about your day and recalling the last spot you saw them. Check all your bags and pockets if you recall that they were in your wallet. You can also retrace your steps to determine whether you've found them in any other places. You could also examine your car, but you will need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.

If you've tried everything and still can't find your lost car keys It's time to begin more advanced searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll have to shut and open the appliances and then feel inside for small objects.

Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing keys. This makes it easier to find them because they are more noticeable and longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright shade to make them are noticeable against other items in your bag or pocket.

4. Contact the police

It's evident that the first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is to call the police. It is crucial to report your lost car keys as soon as you lose them so that you don't run into any issues with someone using your vehicle or coming into your home. The early reporting of your loss can also be beneficial in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from the dealership.

When you call the police and ask them to inform you that your keys have been found by people or have been taken. They'll also give you some suggestions on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found, they will likely request information regarding the time you lost them, and the location you were in prior to that.

Check your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry the key. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, look back in time to try to remember the date you lost them. It's possible you put them on a counter or went into your bag to find something and keys were thrown out.

If you have a transponder key that works electronically, it will need to be connected to your car and this can be done at a dealership. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your car. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency, which is always available via the GEICO app. This service can help you save money and time by sending the locksmith via mobile to you.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

If you're out running errands and leave your car lost key keys in your trunk for a moment and they'll disappear. This scenario is all too frequent, considering that keys are the 3rd most Lost Car Keys Cost To Replace item among Americans1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening all the time. However, you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.

A spare key is a good idea, however, it isn't a ensure that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain could aid in finding your keys should they get lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal of your key that has been lost and makes it easier to find.

If you cannot find your car keys, contact a locksmith who will come and replace them. If you have proof of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle, a locksmith will be able to create keys for you.

Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, however if you have an electronic key or a remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online. But, ensure you check that the key is programmed for your specific vehicle.

Losing your car key can be stressful But it doesn't have to be. By following the tips given above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Keep calm and don't panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one - everybody loses their car keys at some time or another.