Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However, the situation can often be much more grave. When you lose your keys, it is essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things are not lost car keys replaced forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.

It might seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bins in case your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something other.

It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and look for places you know they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and you're eager to get home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.

While you're walking around, check overly cluttered spaces like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. You can also put your keys in a crowded area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, Lost My Car Keys ensure that you remove the gas cap outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you close the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little distracted. You might be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up the food items. It happens to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.

Before you begin make sure you go back to your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last observed them. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few basic things you can try to assist.

Begin by retracing your steps and searching the areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, check the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They might be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. It might be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down for a moment to grab something but lost car keys cost the track of it.

It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without permission. This also helps you avoid being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to making claims.

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

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be running a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an extended day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that other people can help you locate them if they are lost.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always put them in the same place every time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in an table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.

For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or Lost My Car Keys office is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.