Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can create an appropriate 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 entire day, Lost My Car Keys cause anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be much more serious. It is essential to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. To do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you for items, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you've lost car key how to replace them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they have noticed something unusual.

It may seem 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, including those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have disappeared 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. Many things are lost when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a congested area like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these areas.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to do this make sure you remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.

You might also try hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.

4. Call the police

We can lose things when we're distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to grab the food items. Whatever the reason it happens to all.

If you lose something, it's crucial to call the police right away. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important if you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or in public.

Before you begin, be sure to retrace your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you saw them. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always recommended to create a copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are, however, several things you can do to assist.

Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you still can't find them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, make sure to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to take a look at something and lost track.

It is important to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to making an insurance claim.

Consider purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed keys.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app for your phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them if your keys are out of range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same spot each time you get home. If it's in the bowl on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain a chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.

It may be more difficult for cars with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealer to get a replacement key. Depending on the model and make of your car this could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.