Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it's crucial to be aware of what to do.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). However, in reality, things tend to take a more gloomy direction. It is essential to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in strange places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to help you search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.

Examining your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they're not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and you're eager to get back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a crowded spot such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these places.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car ensure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you close the car door.

4. Contact the police

We are prone to lose things when we're distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys on the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you can make a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.

Before you do this ensure that you follow your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key it's a good idea to make a copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Call a locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to assist.

Retrace the steps you've taken and searching in the places where you think they might be. If you still can't find them, look in the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys from time to time and it can make your day miserable. You may have been running a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to take a look at something and lost track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This creates a paper trail and can prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered before filing an insurance claim.

Consider investing in an Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be out on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and forget the place you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in finding the keys if they are out of reach.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always put them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. You can be sure that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain a chip) you can get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key car lost that needs an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You'll need go to your local dealer to purchase a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 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 different from your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.