Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. If this happens, it's important to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). In reality the situation could be much more grave. When you lose your keys, it is essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It is important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they're often found in some very odd locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them in the store, ask employees or customers to determine if they saw something unusual.

It might seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Take out all pockets that you carry around including those in jackets and purses and be sure to check every zippered space. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something other.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a messy spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you can remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You might be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up the food items. It happens to all of us.

If you lose something, it's crucial to notify the police right away. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This step is especially 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 go back to your steps. Recreate the scene you saw when you last glimpsed your keys in your head. It's also recommended to inquire of other people 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 additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always a good idea to make a copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Contact a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple ways to aid.

Retrace the steps you took and then searching for the locations where you think they might have been left. If you're still unable to locate them, consider looking inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Finally, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your lost Key car keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take several days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it could ruin your day. It could be that you were running an errand and accidentally left them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down for a second to grab something but lost the track of it.

It's important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from getting fined.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost car keys to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to making claims.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will eliminate the stress of having to replace your car keys and Lost key Car ensure that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be running an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long working day and forget where you put the keys.

There are ways to stop this happening again. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected 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 find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you locate them if you are out of range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter if place them in an entry table or a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. This way you'll be able to rest assured that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.

It could be more difficult for cars that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Depending on the model and make of your car this could cost you upwards of $200.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home especially in areas where you tend to lose things.