Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. When this happens, it's important to know what to do.

Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However it is possible for the situation to be more serious. When you lose your keys, it's essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost car key forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You can also ask someone to help you search for you, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.

It may seem obvious to look in your bags and pockets for the missing car keys, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Take out all pockets you carry such as those in jackets and purses and be sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It may be helpful to go back again and look for broken places you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and just want to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.

While you're walking around, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to lose your keys in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you choose to do this, make sure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.

4. Contact the police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You could be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys on the seat, or you might just require two hands free to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to all of us.

When you lose something, it's important to call the police right immediately. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last saw your keys in your mind. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple ways to help.

Begin by retracing your steps and searching the areas you think you might have left them. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider looking inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to make you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a massive impact on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and broken misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost the keys to my car to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered before filing claims.

Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You might be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other people can help you locate them if you are out of range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter if you put them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. This way you can be sure that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

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

For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a bit more difficult. It is likely that you will need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get a new key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, this could cost upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.