How to Return a Lost Key to Car

Car keys have a way of disappearing. They can get lost in the shuffle of purses and pockets or fall into that black hole under the driver's seat.

If you lose your car key, it can make your day miserable. It can also cancel your plans. It is important to examine your car thoroughly before you start.

1. Retract Your Steps

Losing your car keys can be an incredibly stressful and frightening experience. It doesn't matter if you left them on the counter after you grabbed a piece of pizza, forgot to put them back on the key holder or lost them while walking through your house, this is something that occurs to everyone. But there are steps you can take to get your keys back and reduce the anxiety of losing your car keys.

Keep calm. Panicking and frantically searching will only make the situation more difficult. Instead take a step back and think about where you last had your keys. This will help you retrace your steps and find them quicker.

Begin with the areas you frequent, like your office or kitchen. You'll find your keys in your purses, pockets and other bags. If you're still struggling to locate them, think about looking in places where you typically store items that can be easily misplaced, such as the bottom of your bag or under a pile of mail. You can also search around your home for keys, particularly in areas that tend to be overcrowded.

A call to help is a good idea when looking for your keys. A fresh pair of eyes can be extremely helpful, and they could discover them in places you missed them. If you've lost your keys at the supermarket or at another public place, ask other employees or patrons if they've found them. They may have thrown them in the lost and found area, or they could have been taken by someone else. You can put a smar tag on your keys, for example Apple AirTag, or Tile.

2. Take an in-depth look

It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys, especially if there is no spare. You might think it's hopeless however, there are ways to solve this problem without any hassle. Begin by retracing your steps completed and examining the places you've been recently. You can also check your bags, pockets, and other things.

You can also ask your family and friends members to search for your keys. They may have an idea to where you lost your key. It's best to do this before calling a locksmith. You will save money in the end.

Sometimes we lose our car keys lost no spare keys at the most difficult times. You're driving to home after a long day at work when you realize you don't know where the keys are. Or, you're loading groceries into your trunk and accidentally leave your keys in there when you close the lid.

If you are lucky, you may find them in an unexpected place like under the couch, or even in the mail pile. If not you might need to pay a locksmith for an exact copy. Most newer cars are equipped with an immobilizer, so you won't be able to use the original key to start the car. However, you can use a spare to unlock the trunk and doors of your car.

3. Make an exact copy

A few years ago the time of misplacing your car keys was no big deal - you could just get a duplicate made for less than $10 at the local hardware store. Things are now a little more complicated. Most modern cars come with an electronic key fob that locks and starts the car and controlling many of the vehicle's functions.

These are more expensive to replace if you do not have an extra. If you have roadside protection and your insurance will provide locksmiths to create a new one. However, you will have to pay for the cost of the replacement key itself.

Another option is to go to the dealership from which you bought your vehicle, and ask whether they can make an exact copy for you. It's more expensive than having a locksmith create copies, but this may be your only option. Based on the model of your vehicle it could be difficult to locate locksmiths who are qualified to work on your specific type of key. This is why keeping a spare key at home is always an excellent idea. Also, think about getting a smart tag (such as the Apple AirTag or Tile) to track your keys.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Every car owner has lost their keys at least once. It's usually the result of a lack of memory or misplacing them in a bag or coat pocket. Regardless of how it happens, losing your car keys can be an absolute hassle. It can ruin your day and cause stress. There are several ways to locate them quickly.

Retrace your steps. This might sound simple but it's essential to do. Check your bags and pockets, and particularly in the zippered compartments. Also, don't forget check under the car and inside your home for drawers or compartments that are hidden.

After you've thoroughly examined the area and retraced your steps, it's now time to call your insurance company. This is especially important if the car you own has a transponder. These keys have to be linked to the car's computer. This is only possible at an auto dealer.

The positive side is that, provided you report the loss at an early enough, your car insurance policy will cover any damage caused by somebody who uses your keys to get into your vehicle and drive around in it. This includes things such as scratches on the door and ignition.

It's worth noting that in the event that you don't file an insurance claim for keys that you lost the cost of car insurance will likely rise. But, it's generally cheaper to file a claim than to pay hundreds of dollars to replace lost car Key cost a lost key. In the end, it's up to you to determine what is appropriate for your specific situation.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's a nagging feeling when you reach into your purse or pocket for your keys and they aren't there. The loss of your keys can be a major hassle and can cause stress, anxiety, or even panic. Instead of trying to locate them yourself or call roadside assistance, it's better to contact an professional locksmith. You can then get back on the road swiftly and easily, without wasting time.

If you contact a locksmith be sure to have a few essential pieces of information to speed up the process. For example, the vehicle's key identification number (VIN) is a key piece of information that can typically be found on the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual, and an original copy of your driver's license to show proof of ownership. This will allow the locksmith to determine what kind of key your car has and the one they should create.

It's also helpful to keep a spare set of keys in your possession. Many people keep spare keys in easy-to-find places, such as under the cushions on their sofas or in a pile of mail. Contact your local police department to determine if keys have been returned. The last thing to do is inform your insurance company about the lost key car key. This will keep you from losing your claim if the key is found later. You may have to make a payment for a replacement if you do not. A professional NYC auto locksmith can assist you replace your keys. They can create a new key on site and reprogram the system so that it is matched to your original key. This is a faster and less expensive alternative to going to a dealer.