Lost 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 is important to be prepared for this eventuality.

Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create a 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 lots of stress and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a more gloomy turn. It is essential to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is important to remember that most things aren't lost for ever, and are often found in some very odd locations. Before taking drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.

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, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost my spare car key them in the store, lost my key talk to other customers or workers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets you have on you, including those in jackets and purses and be sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost my key (by www.dgtss.gouv.sn) when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave keys in a crowded spot like in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this ensure that you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry the groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important if you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last observed them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help keep your car safe and prevent other people from using it (which could result in additional costs such as new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are a few actions you can take to assist.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas where you think they might be. If you're unable to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.

Finally, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.

It is important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and helps keep others from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file a claim.

Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will eliminate the stress of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You could be on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long working day and forget where you put them.

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other people can help you locate them if you are out of range.

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

8. Find a replacement key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be assured 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 chips) you can purchase a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive alternative.

It could be more difficult for vehicles with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need to go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.