Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, the situation can often be much more serious. It is crucial to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. To accomplish this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search for items, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, i lost my car keys such as key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something unusual.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem like common sense but it is important to be thorough. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they're not, such as the fridge or I Lost My Car Keys freezer. Sometimes, items are lost when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

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

Examine desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a congested area, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys there be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly, as they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we're a bit distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys in the seat, or you might require two hands free to grab a bag full of food items. It happens to all of us.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you can file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important in the event that you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or any other place in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last observed them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help to keep your car secure and prevent others from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few basic things you can try to aid.

Retrace the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys from time to time and it could ruin your day. It could be because you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down to grab something and lost the track of it.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and will help to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also help you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost car keys near me to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will help you avoid going through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You could be on a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember the place you put keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on the phone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to help you locate the keys if they are not in reach.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've i lost My car Keys your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. You can be certain that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You'll likely need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you lose things.