Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can design a replacement key car lost for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality, things tend to take a more gloomy turn. It is crucial to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is recommended to go back and trace your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them in bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may appear obvious however, you must be thorough. Clean out all pockets you carry including purses and jackets, and make sure to look around every zippered area. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You could also retrace your steps and search places where you know it isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and on your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. It's also common to leave keys in a crowded spot like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these areas.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also hide your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we're a little distracted. You may be running an errand and have your keys in the seat, or you might require two hands free to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your house or at the store or somewhere else public.

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 the last time you saw them. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it is always an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Call a locksmith

It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are, however, some ways you can help.

Start by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations in which you think they could have been left. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor It's a good idea to take having a quick look.

Finally, contact an locksmith to find out if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. 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.

If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys from time to time and it can ruin your day. You might have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will leave a trail on paper and can keep other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to making a claim.

Consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the stress of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long working day and forget where you placed them.

There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in locating them if your keys are out of range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by always putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys 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 an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll likely need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office especially in areas where you are likely to lose things.