Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

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

It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, lost car key How to replace and they are often found in odd locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. To do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you've lost car key how to replace them in the store, talk to others who are customers or employees to see if they noticed anything unusual.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem like common sense however, you must be thorough. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many items are lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to get back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common 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 places.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you've left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry the groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.

When you lose something, it's important to call the police right immediately. This way, you will be able to file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is important when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or any other place in public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your head. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and prevent other people from using it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's always an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in case this occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

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

Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you might have left them. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Lastly, call locksmiths to see if they are able to assist you in finding your lost key what to do keys. They might be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call locksmiths, 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 can take several days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys at times and it could make your day miserable. You might have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have put them down to grab something for a moment and lost track.

It's important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without permission. It also prevents you from getting fined.

The homeowner's insurance policy could 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 and confirm that you're insured prior to filing an insurance claim.

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 from going through 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 can lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You could be out on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and not remember the place you put them.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other people can help you locate them if they are lost.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an entry table or a hook near the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately if you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

It could be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.