Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. When this happens, lost key replacement it's important to be prepared.

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create an appropriate replacement key for lost key replacement your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unwanted 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 best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality things tend to take a more dire turn. When you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to retrace and search your steps. To do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for you, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and checking common places such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

It might appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Empty all of the pockets you carry, including those in jackets and purses and feel around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

You can also trace your steps and search places where the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things disappear when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a congested area such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to do this make sure you remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you close the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys on the seat, or you might just require two hands free to carry a load of food items. It happens to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Before you begin, be sure to follow your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you seen them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to make a copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to aid.

Begin by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to find them, try looking inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact an locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your lost keys. They might be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a major impact on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and Lost key replacement track.

It's important to report lost key fob keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper trail and helps prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered before filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. 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

It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app for your phone. The app will ring or flash 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 locating them in case your keys aren't in range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always place them in the same spot each time you return home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, keeping the habit will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a New 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. You can be certain that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not have chip) you can purchase an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle, this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

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