What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

The loss of your car keys could be among the most stressful experiences you have. In the chaos of school pick ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things often get misplaced.

Remember to not panic. Retracing your steps and searching thoroughly will usually result in finding the most crucial element.

1. Retract your Steps

It's not a secret that keys are among of the most frequently used items that are lost. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an adventure, distracted when you get out of your car, or at home, trying to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.

You'll need to retrace all of your steps. This can be difficult in a state of panic, but it's important to remember exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you went after that. You may find it helpful to write down the steps you completed to be able to find them later.

If you've gone back to the same spot and still haven't found your car keys, it might be time to look in more obvious places. Check your bags or pockets that you've worn during the day, as well as your home. Keep in mind that your keys are probably located nearby, but not in a place you'd think of. It may also be beneficial to locate your keys near any other items they are typically connected to, such as a laptop or purse.

If you have tried every option but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time for an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. But before you do, try these suggestions to prevent your keys from disappearing in the future.

2. Find a spare key

Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear into pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. At one time this wasn't a huge issue since it was simple to obtain an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. With the introduction of key fob technology, it's now more difficult to replace keys that have been lost my car keys.

This is why it's ideal to keep a spare key on hand. You will not have to call a tow-truck and can easily return your vehicle if you lose your key. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain to ensure it's less likely to lose. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider having one made to minimize the possibility of losing your keys.

You can usually have an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith or a dealership, depending on the model of your car. It is important to remember that the dealer may have to program the key to match your specific vehicle.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car using remote controls. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to get your car started once more is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and have them pair a new fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, try to keep a routine of place your keys in the same place each time you return home. It could be in the entry table or a bowl on your front porch or even a hook near the door, it will help you remember the location of your keys and where to find them in the future.

3. Empty Your Pockets

It's a terrible feeling to lose your car keys. You might feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.

Luckily, panicking won't help you locate your keys. In fact, it could cause more problems. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to solve your issue as quickly as possible.

Start by going back through your day and remembering where you had them last. If you remember that they were in your pocket, be sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also retrace your steps to see if you've come across them elsewhere. You can also check your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.

If you've tried everything and still haven't found your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer for your keys. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where small items might have been hidden.

Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing keys. This helps you keep track of them, as well as making them more difficult to misplace because of the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright hue to make them are visible against other items in your bag or pockets.

4. Call the Police

It's evident that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is call the police. It is crucial to report your lost keys Replacement keys to your car as soon as you lose them so that you don't face problems with someone using your vehicle or entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss early also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage since most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.

They'll be able to inform you if they've found your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. They'll also give you advice on the steps you can take. If your keys aren't discovered, they'll likely ask you to give details of the time you lost them and what you were doing prior to the incident occurred.

If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that isn't working electronically, the first thing to do is check your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, go back in time to try to remember when you lost keys. You might have dropped them on a table or your bag while reaching for something.

This can only be performed by a dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, based on the brand and model of your car. You can also ring up emergency roadside service from GEICO, always available on the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you money and time by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.

5. Contact a Locksmith

When you're running errands and you put your keys to your car in the trunk for a moment and they'll disappear. This scenario happens often, considering that keys missing from cars are the third most misplaced item in America1. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to prevent this from occurring. But you can take steps to minimize your chance of losing them.

The use of a spare key may assist, but it can't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device will assist you in finding your keys in the event they disappear. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects the signal from your keys that have been lost, making it easier to locate.

If you are unable to locate your car keys, you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace the keys. The locksmith can create a new key on behalf of you if you have proof that proves you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.

Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, however when you have an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but be certain to verify whether the key you buy can be programmed to your specific car.

Losing your car keys can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. You can retrieve your keys by following the tips above. Just remember to keep calm and don't get stressed! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone Every car owner loses keys at some time or another.