Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However, in reality, things tend to take a more gloomy turn. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's an ideal idea to go back and trace your steps. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Examine every zippered area. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

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

3. Check the Outside

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

Check pockets and desks that are filled with. It's also common to lose your keys in a crowded spot such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a little distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry the food items. It happens to everyone.

When you lose something, it's important to call the police right away. This way, you will be able to file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Before you do this ensure that you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last glimpsed your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to make copies of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Contact a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. There are, however, a few ways you can assist.

Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have left them. If you still can't find them, look in the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Finally, contact a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut keys or replace the locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it could ruin your day. It could be that you were running an task and left them on the seat or maybe you set your key down to grab something, but lost track of it.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from getting fined.

If you've reported your keys as i lost my car keys what do i do to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you're covered prior to filing claims.

You should consider purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any time. You could be on an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and forget where you placed the keys.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on your phone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to help locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that others can assist you to locate them if they are not in range.

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

8. Get a New Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. This way you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can purchase an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You will likely have go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Based on the model and make of your car 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. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.