Lost My Car Key My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. If this happens, it's important to know what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). In reality, the situation can often be much more serious. It is important to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something different.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem like common sense but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It might be beneficial to go back again and search places where you know they're not like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items disappear when we reach for them but knock 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 comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and lost my car Key desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a messy spot like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.

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

4. Call the Police

It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry a bag of food items. It happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost key replacement car outside of your home, at the store, or in a public place.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few easy tips you can use to aid.

Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you may have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, check the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or Lost My Car key inside the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.

Lastly, call an locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able 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 show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key according to your particular situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a massive impact on your day. It could be because you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or perhaps you put your key down for a second to grab something but lost track of it.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This creates a paper trail and helps prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get penalized.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

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

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget the place you put them.

There are ways to stop this happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in locating them if your keys are out of range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an entry table or an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately if you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain chips) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.

It could be more difficult for vehicles that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the make and model of your car, this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys 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.