What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be one of the most stressful experiences you have. Things could get lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.

The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. Finding the key is usually going back to your steps.

1. Retract your Steps

It's not a secret that keys are one of the most frequently used items to misplace. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your car keys lost or you're trying to get ready for the day, and then drop keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. There are some steps you can take before calling a locksmith in case you've lost car key replacement cost your keys.

You'll need to retrace all your steps. This can be difficult when you're in a panic however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last saw your keys and the places you visited following that. It may be helpful to write down the steps you took so that you can find them later.

If you've gone back to the same spot and still haven't found your car keys, it might be time to look at more obvious places. Make sure you look in the pockets or bags you've been wearing throughout the day, as well as your home. Be aware that your keys may be somewhere nearby - just not in the place you'd expect. You can also search for your keys by looking near other items they're usually paired with like a laptop, purse or wallet.

If you've tried all the options and still can't find your keys, it could be time to call an 24 hour locksmith to help. Before you call a locksmith, try these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing again.

2. Get a Spare Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear into coat pockets, under couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. In the past, this was no big deal since it was easy to get an additional key from any hardware store or lost car key replacement cost locksmith. However, due to advancements in technology for key fobs it's becoming more difficult to get the replacement keys for keys lost.

It is recommended to always have an extra car key on the go. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck and will aid in getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your key a lot easier. It is recommended to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain to ensure it's less likely to lose. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider having one made to minimize the possibility of losing your keys.

Depending on the model of your car You can get a traditional key made by a locksmith or dealership. It is crucial to remember that the dealer must program your key to fit your vehicle.

A majority of modern cars have an entry system that allows you to unlock your car using an electronic remote control. If you lose the fob, the only way to get it back is to visit a locksmith or dealer to help them connect the replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the same place every when you get home. Whether it's in the entry table, an empty bowl on your front porch or even a hook by the door, it can make it easier to remember where they are and where you can find them in the future.

3. Empty Your Pockets

Losing your car keys can be an awful feeling. You might feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys.

Doing something to solve your issue won't help and may make it worse. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to fix your issue as quickly as possible.

Begin by reviewing your day and remembering where you last saw them. Check all your pockets and bags if you recall that they were in your wallet. You can also go back through your steps to determine whether you've seen them in any other places. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and interior.

If you've searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, it's time to do more advanced searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You will have to shut and open both appliances and feel inside for small things.

Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another effective way to ensure you don't lose them. This will make it easier to locate keys because they're more noticeable and longer. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright color so that they are visible against other items in your bag or pockets.

4. Call the Police

It's evident that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is to contact the police. It's important to report your lost keys to your car as soon you lose them so that you don't face any issues with someone using your vehicle or coming into your home. In addition, reporting your loss at an early stage will also help you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.

They'll be able to inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they have been taken when you call them. They'll also advise you on some preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely ask you to give details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior that happened.

Check your pockets, bags and other places where you normally carry the key. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry them, look back to the beginning of time to recall the time you lost them. You may have dropped them on a table or your bag while reaching for something.

If you own a transponder key that works electronically, it must be connected to your car, which can only be done by a dealership. It could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the make and model of your car. You can also call emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available via the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.

5. Contact a Locksmith

When you're running errands and you put your car keys in your trunk for a moment, they can easily disappear. This scenario is common, since keys are the most misplaced item in the United States1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. However, you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.

A spare key is a good idea but it does not guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone whenever it detects the signal of the key you lost and makes it easier to find.

If you're unable to find your car keys, you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace them. If you have proof of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle A locksmith can create keys for you.

The classic keys are most simple to replace. If you own an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will need to contact your dealer to get one made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make certain to verify whether the key you buy can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.

Losing your car keys could be a stressful event However, it isn't necessary to be. You can retrieve your keys by following these tips. Remember to stay calm and do not get in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one Everyone loses their car keys at some time or another.