Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come a time when you lose your car keys. If this happens it's crucial to know what to do.

You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, Lost My Car Keys and even lead you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However, the situation can often be more grave. It is essential to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.

It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Feel around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It might be beneficial to go through your steps again and search places where you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. Sometimes, items are lost key replacement when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Examine desks and pockets that are filled with. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you can open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Contact the police

We can lose things when we're distracted. You might be running a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to every person.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you will be able to file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is crucial if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or any other place in public.

Before you start make sure you go back to your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is another good idea. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always a good idea to make copies of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Call an expert locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic ways to aid.

Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you're unable to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it can make your day miserable. You could have been on an errand that was quick and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to grab something for a moment and lost track.

It is crucial to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get penalized.

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 is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to filing an insurance claim.

You should consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid going through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be on a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long day at work and not remember where you placed them.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to help you locate them if your keys aren't in reach.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always put them in the same spot every time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook near the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be assured 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 locksmith. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll need go to your local dealer to purchase a new key. Based on the make and model of your car it could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.