Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

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

You should call a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality things often take a much more gloomy direction. It is essential to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

It is important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very unusual places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you've lost them in a store, ask employees or customers to determine if they saw something unusual.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem obvious however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you have on you, including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to check every zippered space. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bins in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.

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 watch your favorite show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're retracing your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure you are able to access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys.

You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.

4. Call the Police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you have left your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up an empty bag of food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.

When you lose something, it's important to call the police right away. This way, you can file a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.

Before you start, be sure to go back to your steps. Recreate the scene from the last time you looked at your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a great idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Call a locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are, however, a few actions you can take to aid.

Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may be. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Lastly, call an locksmith to find out if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut keys or replace lost Key for car your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.

It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost car key with no spare to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

Consider purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be running a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and forget the place you put them.

There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them in case your keys are out of range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by always putting them in the same spot each time you get home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company right away. This way you'll be able to rest assured that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not have chips) you can get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.

For replace lost key for car more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You'll have to visit your local dealer to get a replacement key. Depending on the make and model of your car, this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.