Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be i lost my car keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this eventuality.

Based on the model of your car the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, in reality, things can take a darker direction. It is important to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and Cost Of Replacing Lost Car Keys looking in common places like key hooks, look for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

It may appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to get home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you do this make sure you are able to remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.

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

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab the food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.

When you lose something, it is important to contact the police away. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house or at the store or somewhere else public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw when you last saw your keys in your head. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will help to keep your car safe and stop others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's always a good idea to make a copy of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're stressed or distracted. There are some things you can do to help.

Begin by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you may have left them. If you still can't find them, check the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact locksmiths to see if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They might be able to cut you a key or change the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a new key, according to your particular situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your keys to your car at times and it can make your day miserable. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down for a moment to grab something but lost track of it.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to making claims.

Consider buying an Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Keys can be lost at any time. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long day at work and forget the place you put them.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that other users can help you locate them if you are not in range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to place them in the same place every time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, keeping the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. This way, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. Depending on the model and make of your car it could Cost Of Replacing Lost Car Keys anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.