Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost the keys to my car at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. If this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can create an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

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

The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality things can take a more dire direction. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It's important to remember that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in unusual places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to go back and thoroughly search. To do this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

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 pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you've lost them at a store, ask employees or customers to see if they noticed something unusual.

It may appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bins in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something other.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to get home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Check pockets and desks that are too packed. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car ensure 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 hide your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.

4. Call the Police

It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to grab an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to every person.

If you have lost something, it's important to notify the police right immediately. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important if you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last seen them. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from using it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key it's always recommended to create an exact copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Contact a locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. Luckily, there are several actions you can take to aid.

Retrace the steps you took and searching for the areas where you think they might have been left. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider looking inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor and it's worth taking a look.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to find out if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut you a new key or I Lost My Car Keys What Do I Do even alter 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 contact locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take several days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could 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 possible to the police. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting fined.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as I Lost My Car Keys What Do I Do to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing an claim.

Consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the headache of replacing lost keys 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

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be running a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember the place you put the keys.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in finding them if your keys are not in reach.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to put them in the same spot every time you get home. It doesn't matter if put them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which doesn't have a chip) you can get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and cheapest option.

It may be more difficult for vehicles that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your car.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office especially in areas that you tend to drop things.