Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In reality, the situation can often be much more serious. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search for items, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, look for them in bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem obvious but it is important to be thorough. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine all zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bins in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. Many things are lost when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and are eager to get home, put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are cluttered. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you do this, make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your car because a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might need two free hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to every person.

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

Before you start ensure that you go back to your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your mind. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are a few ways you can assist.

Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're still not able to locate them, check the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you're unable to locate your G28 Car Keys keys, and it can put a major damper on your day. It could be that you were running an task and left them on the seat or maybe you put your keys down to grab something, but lost track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost car keys key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This creates a paper trail and can to stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to making claims.

Think about purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You could be on the run and forget to put them down on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on the phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in locating the keys if they aren't in range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to place them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. So, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and cheapest option.

For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You will need to visit your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.