Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. In the event of this happening, it's important to be prepared.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can create a replacement lost car keys key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However, in reality, things often take a much more dire direction. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search for items, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them at the store, talk to other customers or workers to determine if they saw anything unusual.

It might seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Examine the zippered areas. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It could be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. Many times, items disappear when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys 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 not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a congested area, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you are able to open the gas cap from outside your car as a thief could easily see you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.

You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or keys under the seats. Make sure you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.

4. Call the Police

We can lose things when we are distracted. You may be running an errand and put your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands free to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or any other place in public.

Before you start, 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 seen them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help to keep your car secure and stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are several actions you can take to assist.

Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

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

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a huge impact on your day. It might be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put keys on the floor or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something but lost the track of it.

It is crucial to report a lost keys car key as soon as possible to the police. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without permission. It also prevents you from being punished.

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

Keep an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that 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 could be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and keys don't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in finding the keys if they are not in reach.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same place each time you return home. Whether it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, establishing the habit will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. This way you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

It might be more difficult for cars that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

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