Lost Key in Car

It happens to everyone: you're racing out the door and your car keys go missing. You should have a spare key or can call a locksmith to make you a new one.

It's easy to keep returning to the same spots that you're "sure" you put your keys in, but it's important to retrace your steps and do a thorough search.

1. Retract Your Steps

You can lose your keys at any time. This can happen when you're conducting errands, or returning home after working for a long time. In these situations, it can be easy to become anxious. But it's important to be calm and go back through your steps. This will help you find the location where your keys might be, and also where you should begin looking.

If your steps won't retract/extend even when the ignition is on, you may need to replace an ignition fuse or examine the motor of the step. You can also try tapping the motor with a hammer to see whether it works. It can happen.

2. Make Sure You've Checked Your Car

Losing your car keys could be a nightmare, particularly when you have to get somewhere fast. It's vital to remain calm and repeat the steps you took in order to find your keys.

Begin by reminiscing about the last time you thought of having your keys. This is as simple as checking the pockets of your jacket or jeans. It's also recommended to check places that you wouldn't typically consider looking, like your shoe if you went for a run, or the top of your fridge.

If you can't locate your keys, you might be able to find someone who can assist you for a lower price than an auto dealer. You should first determine if the key you lost is covered under your vehicle warranty or insurance.

The majority of modern cars use a transponder key to lock and unlock doors and to start the engine. These keys have tiny chips that send an unique signal to the vehicle, that can only be read by scanner. Contact your dealer in the event that you own a key with a transponder. They can provide you with keys and connect it up with your vehicle. This could be expensive and takes a long time. You can also look into a Bluetooth key tracker, which is less expensive and works similarly to the standard key. These devices emit a signal you can connect to an application on your smartphone and will show you where your keys are.

3. Contact a Locksmith

If you're a frequent loser of keys it's a good idea to have an extra key stored somewhere safe. So, you'll always have one ready to turn the ignition whenever you need it. If you don't have a spare, try searching online for after market keys that are compatible with your vehicle. Often these are cheaper than going to the dealer.

Your backpack or handbag is a different place to look for keys from your car. Be sure to take a close look at all the pockets, zippered areas, and small compartments. These pockets, zippered spaces, and small compartments can hide keys that are difficult to locate. If you don't have any success in finding your keys you need to contact a locksmith.

Car locksmiths are skilled at replacing keys that have been lost. The locksmiths will be capable of creating a new car key using the information you provide including the VIN number or key identification. They might also be able to reprogram the immobilizer to stop it from starting if the wrong key is used, based on the type of key you own.

You can also contact the local dealership for assistance with your lost key. The dealership can create a replacement key chip for your vehicle, but it can be more expensive than working with a locksmith from outside.

If your key has a transponder, you'll need to go to the dealer or manufacturer for an exchange. In this instance, they will have to design a new key that pairs with the existing system in your vehicle and you'll be required to prove ownership. You can get around this by hiring an auto locksmith, who will likely be able to give you a better deal.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

It's been a long, tiring day and you're eager to head home, get into a comfy sweatshirt, order pizza and binge your favorite show. But then you forget your keys. What a pity! Before you give up and start panicking, make sure you check your car, the obvious spot you think they are is. Also, check the cushions on your couch, drawers and counters where you might have put them. If you've never had a chance to tidy up, now is the perfect time to do it. Also, don't forget check at your workplace and other places in which you might have misplaced your key in the past. Keys are often discarded by customers or employees, and are waiting for you to find them.

If you've done all this and are still unable to locate your keys it is time to contact your insurance company. Losing your keys could be considered a comprehensive loss, meaning the insurer will cover the cost to replace the keys. If you have roadside assistance insurance they will provide a locksmith you. If not, you will be required to bring your car into the dealer who can create a new key using the details of your vehicle. This could be expensive and take a few days because the dealer needs to program your computer system.

To avoid this, always keep a spare key on hand in the event that you lose one. It's also recommended to keep your spare key made of the same type of key as the one in your car. Also, consider getting a Bluetooth tracker for your key ring to help you find it. There are a variety of choices to choose from, including the Apple AirTag, Tiles or numerous others.

5. Contact the police

One of the most frequent problems motorists face is lost keys to their cars. If someone steals your car with your keys, it's not only a hassle but also a security risk.

If you lose your keys, the best thing to do is to go back your steps and then search thoroughly. Check pockets, compartments, and even bags that were carried. You can also enlist the assistance of family members and friends to check things out, as they have different perspectives and may be able to identify things that you might overlook.

It's important that you contact the police immediately if are unable to locate your keys. This will help prevent other crimes from being committed in the meantime and it will also help with a potential insurance claim in the event that your vehicle is stolen.

After you've reported the loss, the police will be able to inform you that your keys were turned in. The police will usually notify you when keys were found.

You can speak to a locksmith if you are not satisfied with the response of the police. Some locksmiths can make a new key for you while others can disable the old key to stop anyone from stealing your car. You can also speak to your dealer about this for the same service. It's worth checking your insurance policy before doing this, as some policies provide for the cost of replacing lost car key a vehicle.