Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. If this happens it's crucial to be prepared.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. It is essential to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and lost my spare car key search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem like common sense however, you must take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Feel around all zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.

You can also trace your steps and search places where you know it isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many times, items go missing when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and you're eager to go home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to lose your keys in a congested area such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to do this be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the Police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You might be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to grab the groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost car keys anything. This way, you can submit a claim and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.

Before you do this ensure that you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your mind. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and stop others from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make a copy of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Call a locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few basic things you can try to help.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places where you think they might be. 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.

Finally, contact locksmiths to find out if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a massive downer on your day. It could be because you were running a quick task and left them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down to grab something and lost the track of it.

It is crucial to report a lost my spare car key key as soon as possible to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from getting punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing a claim.

Consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car keys 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 at the time you least would. You could be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after a long day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in range.

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

8. Get a New Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. That way you can be assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can simply get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a bit more challenging. You'll likely need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.