What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be one of the most stressful experiences you endure. In the chaos of school pick ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things often get lost.

The most important thing to keep in mind is not to be in a panic. Finding the key usually involves going back to your steps.

1. Retract Your Steps

It's no secret that keys are among of the most frequently used items that are lost. Whether you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day and forget your keys in a rush It can happen to anyone. If you've lost keys to your car There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith for help.

You'll need to retrace every step. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last looked at your keys, and where you went afterward. It may be helpful to write down the steps you took so that you can look them up later.

If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it could be time to begin looking in more obvious locations. Check your pockets and bags, as well as the home. Remember that your keys are probably in the vicinity, but not in a place you'd expect. You can also locate your keys by looking near other items that they are usually paired with like bags, laptops, or a wallet.

If you have tried all these options but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time for a 24-hour emergency locksmith. But before you do, try some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the future.

2. Find a spare key

Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. At one time, this was no big problem since it was easy to obtain an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it has become more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.

It's ideal to keep a spare key handy. You will not have to call a tow-truck and will be able to easily return your vehicle if you lose your keys. It's best to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain, so that it isn't as easy to lose. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already have one. This will decrease the possibility of losing your keys.

You can usually have an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith, or at a dealership, depending on the car's model. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer will need to program your key to fit the vehicle you are driving.

Many modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car using a remote control. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to get your car running from scratch is to go to the dealer or a locksmith and have them pair a new fob with your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, establish a routine to keep your keys in the same location every time you arrive home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch, or in the entry table.

3. Empty Your Pockets

Losing your car keys can be an awful feeling. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.

Doing something to solve your issue won't help and could make it worse. Keep calm and use the steps listed below to locate your keys as fast as you can.

Begin by reviewing your day and remembering where you had them last. Go through all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to determine whether you've seen them anywhere else. You can also check your car, but you will have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.

If you've checked everywhere else and aren't able to find your lost car keys It's time to start more sophisticated searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where tiny objects might be hiding.

Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard can be a great way to prevent losing them. This will allow you to keep track of them, and also make them more difficult to find because of the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. You can also make your keys stand out applying a bright hue.

4. Contact the police

It's obvious that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is call the police. It is essential to report lost car keys as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't run into problems with someone using your vehicle or entering your home. The early reporting of your loss will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from dealerships.

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

Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry them, look back to the beginning of time to remember the date you lost keys. It's possible that you put them on a counter, or went into your bag to grab something and keys dropped out.

If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it'll need to be linked to the car and this can be done at the dealership. It can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the brand and model of your car. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency and is available through the GEICO app. This service will save you time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.

5. Call a Locksmith

When you're running errands and leave your car keys in your trunk for just a second, they can easily disappear. This scenario is common, since keys are the 3rd most lost item in the United States1. You can't prevent this from happening constantly. However, you can take steps to minimize your chances of losing them.

A spare key is a good idea but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain could aid in finding your keys if they do disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects an indication from your key that has been lost, making it much easier to find.

If you cannot find the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will visit and replace them. The locksmith will be able make a new key for you as long as you can prove that you are the owner, like your vehicle's title or registration.

The classic keys are most simple to replace. If you have an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you'll have to contact your dealer to get one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online. However, make sure you check if the key can be programmed to your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys can be stressful However, it doesn't have to be. If you follow the steps that are listed above, you will be able to recover your keys and get back on the road. Be sure to remain cool and calm. Don't get scared! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.