What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be one of the most difficult experiences you experience. Things are often lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips and other chores.

The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly will usually result in finding the key.

1. Retract your Steps

It's not a secret that keys are among of the most frequently used objects that get lost. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, unable to concentrate while getting out of your car, or at home, rushing to get ready for work and dropping your keys. There are some things you can do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.

In the beginning, you'll need to go back and trace your steps. This can be difficult in a panic mode, but it's important to keep track of exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you visited after that. It may also help to record your steps, so that you can look them up in the future.

If you have searched in the most obvious places but cannot find your keys, you may have to look in other places. Check your pockets and bags and also the home. Be aware that your keys may be somewhere nearby - just not in the location you'd expect. You can also find your keys by looking around other items that they are usually paired with like bags, laptops, or a wallet.

If you've tried everything but 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 car keys to disappear from coat pockets, couch cushions or even just by themselves. It was once simple to replace keys lost at any locksmith or hardware store. However, due to advancements in technology for key fobs it's becoming more difficult to find the replacement keys for keys lost.

It's best to always keep an extra car key in your side. A spare key will prevent you from calling a tow truck, and will aid in getting your vehicle back losing your key a lot more simple. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than your usual keychain, so it's not as easily lost. Consider getting a spare made if you don't already own one. This will decrease the chance of losing your keys.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own you may be able to have a traditional key created by a locksmith or dealership. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your specific vehicle.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using the remote control. If you lose the fob the only way to get it back is to go to the locksmith or dealer to have them pair a replacement fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, keep a routine of put your keys in the same place every time you get home. You can place your keys in a bowl, Lost Keys Replacement or on a hook on the front porch or on the table in the entryway.

3. Empty Your Pockets

It's a terrible feeling to lose your car keys. It doesn't matter if you dropped keys in the rush to get out of the house or your little ones hid them under the couch to play hide-and-seek, losing your car key lost no spare keys can make you feel frantic and overwhelmed.

The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and could make it worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to resolve your problem as quickly as possible.

Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last time you saw them. Go through all your pockets and bags in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also repeat the steps you took to see whether they were located anywhere else. You can also examine your vehicle to determine whether they've been abandoned there however, you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

If you have searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances, and look around the inside, as you never know where tiny items may have been hiding.

Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a long lanyard or chain. This will help you keep track of them as well as making them harder to lose 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 colour.

4. Call the Police

It's obvious that the first thing you need to do after losing your car keys is call the police. Notifying the police of your keys missing from your car immediately is important to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone using your vehicle or even getting into your home. The early reporting of your loss can also be beneficial in terms insurance coverage, since most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from dealerships.

If you contact the police and lost keys replacement ask them to inform you that your keys have been discovered by people or been taken. They'll also advise you on preventative steps to take. If they can't locate your keys they'll likely request information regarding the time you lost them, and where you were before that.

If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically, the first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, look back in time to remember the date you lost keys. It's possible that you set them on a counter or went into your bag to find something and the keys dropped out.

This can only be done by the dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. It can cost of replacing lost car keys a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also call emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service could save you time and money by offering an on-the-go locksmith service for you.

5. Contact a locksmith

If you place your keys in the trunk while doing errands, they can easily disappear. This scenario happens often, considering that keys to cars that are Lost Keys replacement are the third most misplaced item in America1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening all the time. You can, however, make steps to decrease the chances of losing them.

The use of a spare key may assist, but it can't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could aid in finding your keys if they do get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects the signal from your keys that have been lost which makes it easier to locate.

If you can't locate your car keys, call locksmiths who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able create a new key for you if you have proof that proves you are the owner, like your vehicle's title or registration.

The traditional keys are the most simple to replace. If you own an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to get one made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but be certain to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys can be stressful But it doesn't have to be. If you follow the steps that are listed above, you will be able to retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm and not get in a panic! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.