Lost 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 be prepared.

You should call an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unwanted phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more serious. If you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is recommended to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you for you, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and Lost key replacement near me jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you lost them in a store, ask other customers or workers to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.

It may seem obvious to look in your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bin in the event that your keys were to fall 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, like the freezer or fridge. Many things are Lost key replacement near me when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you do this make sure you are able to remove the gas cap outside your car as a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

We can lose things when we are distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry the groceries. It happens to every person.

When you lose something, it's crucial to contact the police immediately. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is crucial in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you looked at your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help to keep your car safe and stop others from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it's always a good idea to make copies of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Call a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple tips you can use to assist.

Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and searching for the areas you believe they may be. If you still can't find them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Lastly, call an locksmith to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using 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

It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it could make your day miserable. You may have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to take a look at something and then lost car keys track.

It is important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You could be out for a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on the phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they are not in range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. Whether it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, keeping a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a New Key

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider right away. You can be certain that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

It may be more difficult for cars that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get a new key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different location 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.