Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.

You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best-case 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 darker turn. It is important to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

It's important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very unusual locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's recommended to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and checking common places like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost key in car your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something different.

It might appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Feel around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you do this make sure you are able to remove the gas cap outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.

4. Call the police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry a bag of groceries. It happens to every person.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost keys car anything. This way, you can submit a claim and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is important when you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last seen them. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few basic ways to help.

Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're still unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth a quick look in there.

Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or perhaps you put your key down for a second to grab something, but lost track of it.

It's important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and will help prevent people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any moment. You might be running an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and forget 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 can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in locating them if your keys aren't in reach.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. That way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.

It may be more difficult for vehicles with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. Depending on the make and model of your car, this could cost you upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office especially in areas where you tend to lose things.