lost car keys no spare My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this scenario.

You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, the situation can often be more grave. It is important to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

It's important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in strange places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them at a store, ask employees or customers to see if they have noticed something unusual.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense but it is important to be thorough. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of 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. Sometimes, items disappear when we reach for them but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and are eager to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are packed. You can also put your keys in a crowded space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.

4. Contact the police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you've left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you can file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost key what to do outside of your house or at the store or at a location that is public.

Before you begin ensure that you go back to your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you saw them. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your car safe and also stop others from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few easy ways to help.

Retrace the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If you still can't find them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they are able to help you find your lost keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge damper on your day. You may have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to grab something for a moment and lost track.

It's important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper record and Lost Keys help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. It also stops you from getting punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before you file an claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be running an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long working day and forget where you placed the keys.

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you locate them if they are out of range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you put them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook by the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. This way, you can rest sure that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

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

It may be more difficult for cars with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll likely need go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. Based on the make and model of your car, this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.