Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. If this happens it's crucial to be prepared.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality, things can take a more dire turn. It is essential to keep your cool and return to your path if you lose your keys.

It's also important to remember that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in some very unusual locations. So, before taking extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. In order to do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search for items, as a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in common places like key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you've lost your keys in 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.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious however, you must be thorough. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bin in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

It may be helpful to go through your steps again and look for places you are sure they aren't, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many things are lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and just want to go home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, Lost key replacement and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly packed. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

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

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

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab the groceries. It happens to all of us.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or in public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you observed them. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, several actions you can take to assist.

Retrace your steps and looking for areas you think you might have left them. If you're still not able to locate them, check the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from their keychains or the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.

Lastly, call an locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They might be able to cut you a key or change the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

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

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a massive damper on your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost auto key replacement track.

It's important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This creates a paper trail and will help prevent people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an claim.

Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You might be out for a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after a long day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them if your keys aren't in range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by always putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

Whether you've lost Key replacement your car 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 car in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive option.

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

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.