Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. They can design an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

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

The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However the situation could be more grave. When you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. To do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to search with you to help you, Replace lost key for car as a second set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bins in case your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost car key replacement cost when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too cluttered. It's also common to lose your keys in a congested area such as inside a door replace Lost key for car handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this, make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to all of us.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or in replacing a lost car key public place.

Before you start ensure that you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene you saw when you last saw your keys in your head. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and also stop others from stealing it (which may result in extra costs such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Contact a locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. There are, however, several actions you can take to assist.

Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Lastly, call an locksmith to see if they can help you find your lost keys. They might be able to cut keys or Replace Lost Key For Car the locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys from time to time and it can make your day miserable. It could be because you were running a quick run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you put your key down for a moment to grab something and lost the track of it.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and helps keep people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an claim.

You should consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid going through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You could 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 extended day at work and can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that other people can help you find them if they are not in range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company immediately. You can be sure that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

If you own a standard key (which doesn't have a chip) you can simply get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

It may be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, make sure 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 the place where you tend to lose things.