Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens it's crucial to know what to do.

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However it is possible for the situation to be much more serious. It is essential to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in some very strange places. Before taking drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for items, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you 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 different.

Examining your bags and I Lost My Car Keys pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense however, you must do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things disappear when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and are eager to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, i Lost My car keys such as the door handle 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 access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful 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 simply because we're a little bit distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of groceries. It happens to everyone.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you can make a report and help 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 somewhere else public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car safe and also stop others from using it (which may result in extra expenses like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always an excellent idea to make a copy of it in case this occurs again.

5. Contact a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic tips you can use to aid.

Start by retracing your steps and looking for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. It might be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or maybe you set your key down for a second to grab something but lost car key with no spare the track of it.

Reporting a stolen or i lost the key to my car key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your car without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered before filing an claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will save you from having to go through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be out on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember where you placed keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you arrive home. Whether 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 find them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've i lost my car keys your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. This way you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.

For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You will need to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle this could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.