Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. In the event of this happening, it's important to be prepared.

You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However it is possible for the situation to be more serious. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. In order to do 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 someone to help you search for you, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you Lost car keys near me your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem like common sense but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the recycling and trash bin in case your keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

It may be helpful to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they're not like the freezer or refrigerator. A lot of times, things are lost when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

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

While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a congested area like in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a corner on 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

We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might just require two hands free to grab a bag full of food items. It happens to all of us.

If you lose something, it's important to call the police right away. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from theft. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost keys for car outside of your home or at the store or lost Car keys near me in a public place.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your head. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea, in the event that you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few actions you can take to aid.

Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you're unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.

Last but not least, contact an locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools 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 vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.

It's important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and will help to stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get fined.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to filing a claim.

Consider purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

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

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in finding the keys if they are not in range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by always putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. Whether it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is crucial to inform 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 vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can purchase a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your car.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.