Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do

The loss of your car keys can be a terrifying event. There are a variety of options to consider before calling assistance at the roadside or a locksmith.

The first step is to go back and trace your steps. This will help you locate your keys and provide you the opportunity to start from scratch before moving on to more drastic measures.

1. Retract your Steps

Losing your keys is just one of the things that can cause stress. It's easy to lose them and you may not be aware of it until you need to start your vehicle or go to your house. It can be a hassle to get in your vehicle when you don't have a spare keys for cars.

It is important to remain calm and then retrace your steps. This will allow you to locate your keys faster and prevent you from needing to contact a locksmith or a dealer to get a new key. Usually, your lost keys are in close proximity or have been dropped near the item you've been carrying around. Before you start going back to trace your steps, it's a great idea to go through your pockets, purses and bags.

Asking your family and friends if they've seen your keys is a great way to locate them. You can gather valuable information from them and they can guide you in the right direction. This is especially helpful for those who live with your roommates or family.

If you've searched through your purses, wallets and bags but can't find your keys, it might be time to look inside your car. Sometimes, the keys are in the car and you need to check the right place to find them. This simple action will save you from many headaches.

Contact a professional if you suspect your keys aren’t in the vehicle. It's going to cost you money, however it is worth it to not worry about being locked out. In the future, you should consider getting an extra key in order to avoid this issue completely. You can attach keys in a bright color on your keys to make it easier to see them. This will help you always be aware of where your keys are and find them quickly. This is an investment that is small but will pay off big time in the long in the long run!

2. Empty your Pockets

It can be a traumatic experience to lose your car keys. It happens more frequently than you might think and always happens at the worst time, like when you're late for work. In this case it's best to remain calm and adhere to these steps.

Retracing your steps is the initial step. This will help you determine the location and the time when you lost the keys. After that, go through your bag and pockets thoroughly. Also, take a look at any jackets or outerwear that you may have worn. You could also ask the staff at any establishments or stores you went to if the keys were in your possession.

If you leave your keys in the pockets of your clothing is a great way to forget. This is especially the case if your jacket or coat has a deep pocket. In addition to coats and jackets, it's a good idea to check any bags you carry around. Bags, messenger bags, and backpacks are all hiding spots for keys that are lost. Examine the inside of your vehicle to see whether you have any keys.

It's a good idea empty out all of the pockets in any bags that you carry and also to empty your messenger or purse bag. This will allow you to see if any keys are stuck in the lining of your bag. You can also use a flashlight in the darkest places of your bag or wallet.

Another suggestion is to walk around the house, yelling "car keys!" as loudly as you can. It might sound silly, but shouting out the name of the item you are trying to find increases the chances of finding the item.

Contact a locksmith in case you are still having trouble finding your keys. They can assist you with a replacement car key and even install a new door lock in the event of need.

3. Check Under the Car

It's normal for things to be lost in the shuffle of daily errands from grocery shopping to dinner with the family or an afternoon at the playground. Sometimes it's a debit card, or your most loved pair of sunglasses, but other times it's more important items like your car keys. If you don't have an extra set, it can be a huge hassle and a major issue.

Take a deep breath and begin looking for your keys. Start by looking in the most obvious locations first. Did you leave them on your coffee table when you went out the door? Perhaps you placed them on the counter in the kitchen to get something from the fridge, then closed the door and didn't think about them.

If you've cleaned out all of your purses and pockets (and if the lock was not locked ask someone to help you search the car well), walked back through your day to find out where they could have gone missing, and sifted through every surface that you're likely to remember passing by as you left the home, it may be time to look under the car. You never know when the key fob fell into a crack between your seat cushion and the floor mat, or if you accidentally dropped it out of your bag when you reached for something.

Of course, the best way to avoid a situation like this in the future is to develop a routine of putting your keys in the same spot after you return from work. It may take up to a month to make the habit established, but the longer you stick to it and the more easy it will be to locate your keys next time you'll need them. To ensure that you're ready in the event of an emergency, it helps to include GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your insurance policy, which could help you avoid the expense of a tow truck, or replacing your lost car keys.

4. Walk Back Through Your Day

Sometimes you get overwhelmed by the day-to-day shuffle of kids' activities, running errands going out with friends for dinner and attempting to complete all your work-related tasks that you overlook something crucial. The unfortunate thing is that losing your car keys is just one of those events that can throw a wrench in all of your plans.

Take an exhale before calling anyone you know and asking where your keys are. Try not to be anxious. Once you've regained control over your emotions, the first thing to do is retrace your steps. When was the last moment you looked at your car keys? This will help you pinpoint the place they went missing.

Also, be sure to empty your bags and pockets in which you may have put them in. You should also look for places you would not normally think of, such as the pockets of your jacket or shoes or the coat. In addition, you should check the location where you keep your car keys at home. You may have put them on a table or somewhere in a different location as you entered.

If you lose your car keys, it's not fun. However, if you follow these tips, you'll be able find them quickly without calling an locksmith. You can prevent this from happening in the future by establishing the designated place for your keys inside. After some time, you'll be accustomed to it and not have to be concerned about losing your keys.