Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to know what to do.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, the situation can often be much more grave. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost them at the store, talk to other customers or workers to determine if they saw anything out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might seem like common sense but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you have on you, including those in purses and jackets and check every zippered space. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items go missing when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and you're eager to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You can also put your keys in a busy space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot 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 cautious not to place them too tightly as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab an empty bag of food items. It happens to everyone.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is important if you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Before you do this, be sure to retrace your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help to ensure your car's security and stop other people from using it (which may result in extra expenses like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. There are a few simple ways to aid.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations where you think they might be. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys from time to time and it could make your day miserable. It might be that you were running an task and left keys on the floor or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something and lost the track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid being fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered before filing an insurance claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will save you from having to go through the hassle of a car keys lost replacement keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You might be running replace a lost car key quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them in case your keys are out of reach.

You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. If it's in the bowl on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Find 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 immediately. You can be assured that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain chip) you can get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll need go to your local dealer to get a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your car.

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.