lost car keys what to do My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. When this happens it's crucial to know what to do.

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 alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause an anxiety-filled day and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality the situation could be more serious. It is essential to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in some very strange locations. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you lost them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around including those in jackets and purses and look around every zippered area. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

You could also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items are lost when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure you remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as they could be crushed when you close the door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you can file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important when you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or in public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last glimpsed your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car safe and prevent other people from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing Lost car Keys door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.

5. Contact for a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're busy or replacing lost car keys distracted. There are a few easy things you can try to help.

Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you may have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth having a quick look.

Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it could ruin your day. It could be because you were running a quick task and left keys on the seat, or maybe you put your key down for a second to grab something and lost the track of it.

It is important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to filing an insurance claim.

Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to deal with the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be on an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long working day and not remember the place you put the keys.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them if your keys are not in range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you come home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable option.

It could be more difficult for cars with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll have go to your local dealer to purchase a new key. Based on the make and model of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To prevent this from happening, replacing lost car keys keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office especially in areas where you tend to lose things.