Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be prepared.

You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In reality the situation could be much more grave. It is important to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Remember 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 retrace your steps and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them at a store, ask employees or customers to determine if they saw anything out of the ordinary.

It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you carry such as those in purses and jackets and be sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It may be helpful to go back again and look for places you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items get lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and just want to go home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Check pockets and desks that are overly filled with. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys there, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys in the seat, or you might just need two free hands to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to everyone.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost spare Car key any item. This way, you will be able to file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential if you have lost the car key your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene from when you last glimpsed your keys in your head. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help to keep your car secure and stop others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's always an excellent idea to make copies of it in case this happens to you again.

5. Contact a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. There are, however, some actions you can take to aid.

Begin by retracing the steps you took and searching in the places in which you think they could be. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Finally, contact a locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a massive downer on your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.

It is important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your car without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered before making a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be out on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember where you placed keys.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they are out of range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always place them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company immediately. 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, you can easily get a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and Lost Spare Car Key most affordable alternative.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You'll likely need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.