Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.

You should call an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause an anxiety-filled day and even trigger unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However, the situation can often be much more grave. It is essential to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in odd locations. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to help you search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them at the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might seem obvious, but you should take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets you have on you, including purses and jackets and look around every zippered area. 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 where the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your Car Keys Lost No Spare keys have disappeared.

Check pockets and desks that are too filled with. You can also put your keys in a crowded space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you are able to remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a little bit distracted. You may be running an errand and put your keys in the seat, or you might need two free hands to grab a bag full of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.

If you lose something, it is important to contact the police away. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is important when you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last saw your keys in your head. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to aid.

Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may be. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider looking inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a huge damper on your day. It could be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you put your key down to grab something, but lost the track of it.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will leave a trail on paper and can keep others from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, Car Keys Lost No Spare your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered before you file an insurance claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any time. You might be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other people can help you locate them if they are out of range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to place them in the same spot each time you arrive home. Whether it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

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

If you own a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable option.

It may be more difficult for vehicles that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the model and make of your car.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home especially in areas that you tend to drop things.