Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this eventuality.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unpleasant calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality things tend to take a darker turn. If you lose your keys, it is important to remain calm and follow the steps.

Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after retracing your steps and checking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycle bin in case keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you know they're not like the freezer or refrigerator. Sometimes, items go missing when we go to them, but then slam them away and Lost My Car Keys forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.

While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a messy spot such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you close the car door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a little bit distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab an empty bag of groceries. It happens to all of us.

If you lose something, it is important to contact the police away. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from thieves. This is crucial in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop or any other place in public.

Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

It's normal for Lost My Car Keys people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few simple tips you can use to assist.

Retrace the steps you took and searching in the places you believe they may be. If you're still struggling to locate them, try searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Lastly, call locksmiths to see if they can help you find the keys you replacing lost keys to a car. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Depending on your situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. It might be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or maybe you set your key down for a second to grab something and lost car keys replacement cost track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your car without permission. This will also help you avoid getting penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

You should consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be out for a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this from happening again. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app for your phone. The app will ring or flash once you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in finding them in case your keys are not in reach.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot each time you arrive home. If it's in the bowl on your entry table 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

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You will need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.