Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, in reality, things often take a much more dire direction. It is important to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

It is important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in some very strange places. So, before taking extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. In order to do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could 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 returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, look for them in bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

It may seem obvious to look in your bags and pockets for the missing car keys, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.

Check pockets and desks that are cluttered. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a congested area like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those places.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to do this ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you close the car door.

4. Call the police

It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You may be running a quick errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you will be able to file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.

Before you do this ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help keep your car safe and stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy ways to assist.

Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you're unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut you a key or change the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or Lost My Car Key broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it can make your day miserable. You might have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost key in car track.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost My car key to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to filing claims.

Keep an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many 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 your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and forget the place you put the keys.

Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow other users can help you locate them if you are lost.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, making the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost car key replacement price your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to notify your insurance company immediately. You can be certain that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any hardware or Lost My Car key locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.

It might be more difficult for vehicles with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll need to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. This can cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.