lost keys Car My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost my car keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.

Depending on your vehicle, the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, in reality, things can take a more gloomy turn. When you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost them in the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they have noticed something unusual.

It may appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bin in case keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

It may be helpful to retrace your steps once again and look for places you are sure they aren't, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many times, items disappear when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're walking around, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a crowded spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you close the door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little distracted. You may be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, Lost keys car or you may require two hands free to carry a load of food items. It happens to every person.

If you have lost something, it's important to call the police right immediately. You can then file a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, Lost Keys Car at the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw when you last saw your keys in your mind. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always recommended to create a copy of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Contact for a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are several things you can do to aid.

Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

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

When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. It could be because you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down to grab something but lost track of it.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and helps keep people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to making a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will eliminate the headache of replacing your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be out for a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow other people can help you find them if they are lost.

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 if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company right away. This way, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not have chips) you can simply get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

It might be more difficult for cars equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your car.

To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.