Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it is crucial to know what to do.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However the situation could be much more serious. If you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in some very strange locations. So, before taking extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and checking common places like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or Lost My Car Key employees if they have noticed something unusual.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem like common sense, but you should take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets you carry, including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to check every zippered space. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bin in case your keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something other.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items are lost spare car key when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and just want to go back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're walking around take a look at areas that are overly cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a crowded area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to do this be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly as they could be crushed when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a little distracted. You might be running a quick errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands free to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.

If you have lost something, it is important to call the police right immediately. This way, you can submit a claim and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or in public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from the last time you glimpsed your keys in your mind. It's also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's recommended to create an exact copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Contact a locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few simple things you can try to help.

Retrace the steps you took and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you're still struggling to locate them, try searching inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.

Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They might be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your car without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or Lost my car key keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in locating the keys if they aren't 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 you put them in a bowl on the table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've Lost My Car Key your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. This way you can be sure that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain chips) you can purchase an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.

It may be more difficult for cars that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.