What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

The loss of your car keys could be one of the most difficult experiences you experience. Things are often lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery visits, and other chores.

The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. Finding the key usually involves retracing your steps.

1. Retract your steps

It's not a fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced objects. It can happen to anyone, no matter if you're running an adventure, distracted when you get out of your vehicle or at home trying to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith assistance.

You'll have to go back through every step. This can be challenging in a state of panic However, it's essential to keep track of where you last seen your keys and the places you went following that. It may also help to note down your steps, so that you can refer back to them later on.

If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it may be time to begin looking in more obvious places. Check the pockets or bags you've worn during the day, and also your home. Keep in mind that your keys may be located nearby, but not in a place you'd expect. It can also be helpful to locate your keys in the vicinity of other items they're typically paired with, like a laptop or purse.

If you have tried everything but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. Before you call a locksmith, make sure you follow these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.

2. Find an extra key

It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats and couch cushions, or just by themselves. It was once easy to replace keys that were lost at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it has become more difficult to replace lost keys.

It is advisable to keep a spare car key on hand. A spare key can save you from calling a tow truck, and will make getting your vehicle back if you happen to losing your key a lot more simple. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than your usual keychain, to ensure that it's not misplaced. Consider getting a spare made if you don't already have one. This will decrease the possibility of losing your keys.

It is possible to get an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith or a dealership, based on the car's model. However, it is important to note that the dealer may have to program the key for your specific vehicle.

A lot of modern vehicles have an entry system which allows you to unlock the car with an electronic remote control. If you lose the fob the only way to get it back is to visit a locksmith or dealer to have them connect a replacement fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, establish a routine to put your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. Whether it's in the entry table or a bowl on your front porch, or even a hook on the door, it will aid in remembering where they are and how they will be in the future.

3. Empty your pockets

The loss of your car keys is an awful feeling. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.

Luckily, panicking will not aid you in finding your keys. It may even make things worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to solve your issue as fast as possible.

Begin by thinking about your day and remembering the last spot you were when you last saw them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to look through all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also go back through your steps to see whether you've found them in any other places. You can also check your car, but you will have to thoroughly search the exterior and interior.

If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time for more advanced searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You will have to shut and open the appliances and then feel inside to see if you can find small items.

Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another effective way to ensure you don't lose keys. This will help you keep track of them, as well as making them more difficult to misplace due to the sound they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.

4. Call the Police

The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. It's important to report your lost keys to your car as soon you lose them to ensure you don't run into any issues with someone using your vehicle or entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss early also benefits you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.

When you call the police and they'll inform you that your keys have been discovered by someone or have been taken. They'll also provide advice on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found they'll probably ask you for details about when you lost them and where you were prior to that.

If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically the first thing you should do is check your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry them. After that then go back through your day and try to recall the place you lost keys in car them. You may have dropped them on a table or your bag when you reached for something.

If you have a transponder key that works electronically, it will need to be connected to your car, which can only be done at a dealership. This could cost a few hundreds of dollars, based on the brand and model. You can also contact emergency roadside service from GEICO, always available on the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by sending a mobile locksmith to you.

5. Call an expert locksmith

If you leave your keys in the trunk while running errands, they could quickly disappear. This scenario is common, as lost keys are the most misplaced item among Americans1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. But you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.

A spare key is a good idea, but it does not guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you find your keys if they do become lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost key, making it much easier to find.

If you cannot find your car keys, call locksmiths who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able to create a new key on behalf of you as long as you can prove that you are the owner, such as your car's title or registration.

Keys that are traditional are the most straightforward to replace. If you own a remote key fob or smart key, you'll need to contact your dealer to get one made. You can also buy replacement keys online. But, ensure you verify that the key can be programmed for your particular vehicle.

Losing your car keys can be stressful however it isn't necessary to be. By following the tips given above, Lost Key you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm and do not be in a panic! Be aware that you aren't alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.