What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. In the chaos of school pick ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often are lost or misplaced.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to not panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly will usually result in finding the most crucial element.

1. Retract your Steps

It's not a fact that keys are among the most frequently Lost car keys replacement items. If you're on the run and you're distracted while getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day and drop keys in a hurry, it can happen to anyone. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.

In the beginning, you'll need to retrace your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last saw your keys, and where you went afterwards. You may find it useful to write down the steps you took so that you can search them later.

If you've tried searching in obvious places and still aren't able to locate your keys, you might need to look in different places. Be sure to check any pockets or bags that you've been carrying around throughout the day, as well as your house. Remember that your keys will likely be close by but they're not in a convenient location. It could also be helpful to locate your keys near any other items they're usually associated with, such as laptops or purses.

If you've tried all of these options and still can't find your keys, it may be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you call, consider these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:

2. Find a spare key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or just disappear completely. It was once easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. With the introduction of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.

It's ideal to keep a spare key handy. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck, and will help you get your vehicle back if you happen to losing your key a lot more simple. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your usual keychain, to ensure that it's not misplaced. Consider getting a spare made if you don't already have one. This will decrease the likelihood of losing your keys.

It is common to have a traditional car key made by a locksmith, or at a dealership, depending on the model of your car. However, it is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.

A majority of modern cars are equipped with a keyless entry system that allows you to unlock the car using a remote control device. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob the only way to get your car running again is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and have them connect a new fob to your vehicle. Make it a routine to place your keys in the same spot each time you arrive home. It could be in the entry table or the bowl on your front porch or even a hook on the door, it can make it easier to remember the location of your keys and where you can find them in the future.

3. Empty Your Pockets

Losing your car keys can be an awful feeling. If you dropped keys in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones hid them in the couch to play hide-and-seek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel anxious and insecure.

Luckily, panicking will not aid you in finding your keys - and it may even make things worse. Keep calm and follow the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.

Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last time you were when you last saw them. Check all your pockets and bags If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've found them in any other places. You can also look inside your car to determine whether they've been abandoned there, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior of your vehicle.

If you've checked everywhere else and aren't able to find your lost car keys, it's time to start more advanced searches. You can also look in your fridge and freezer. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances, and feel around inside, as you never know where small items might have been hidden.

Another great way to avoid losing your car key lost what to do keys is to attach them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will make it easier to find them since they're more noticeable and are longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.

4. Contact the police

The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. Notifying the police of your keys missing from your car immediately is essential to ensure that you don't have to worry about someone else using your vehicle or entering your home. Reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.

When you call the police and ask them to inform you that your keys have been discovered by someone or have been taken. They'll also provide advice on the steps you can take. If your keys aren't found they'll likely request information regarding the time you lost them, and the location you were in prior to that.

Check your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry the key. After that take a walk through your day and try to recall where you lost keys. You might have tossed them on a table or in your bag when you reached for something.

This can only be performed by the dealer if have a transponder that works electronically. This can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the brand and model. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service can save your time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.

5. Call a Locksmith

If you place your keys in the trunk when doing errands, they can be easily lost. This scenario occurs often, considering that keys missing from cars are the third most misplaced item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from occurring. But you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.

The use of a spare key may aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain will assist you in finding your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your keys that have been lost which makes it easier to locate.

If you are unable to locate your car keys, call a locksmith who will come and replace them. The locksmith can create a new key for you if you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, like your vehicle's title or registration.

Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, but If you own an electronic key or a remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealer to get one custom-made specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online. But make sure you check if the key can be programmed for lost car Keys replacement the specific vehicle you own.

Losing your car keys can be stressful, but it does not need to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Be sure to remain cool and calm. Don't get scared! Be aware that you aren't all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.