i lost my car keys what do i do My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen 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, in reality, things tend to take a more gloomy direction. It is essential to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them inside of bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycle bin in case keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item isn't, I Lost My Car Keys What Do I Do like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things go missing when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and just want to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite 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 like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothing items. 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 favorite place to hide. If you choose to do this be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry an empty bag of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.

If you lose something, it's important to notify the police right away. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside your home at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last seen them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help to keep your car secure and stop others from using it (which could lead to additional costs such as new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Contact a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few easy ways to aid.

Retrace the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations in which you think they could have been left. If you're still unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth taking a look.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to help you find your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

When you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are instances that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a major damper on your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.

It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper trail and can prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to filing a claim.

Consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from going through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be on a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and not remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this from happening again. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on the phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them in case your keys aren't in range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. So you can be assured that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.

It might be more difficult for vehicles with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement lost car keys key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle this could cost you upwards of $200.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home especially in areas where you tend to lose things.