Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there's the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. When this happens it's crucial to know what to do.

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or lost My car key not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). But, in reality things tend to take a more gloomy direction. If you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It's important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they're often found in some very unusual places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to go back and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed something unusual.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem like common sense however, you must take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets that you carry around such as purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

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

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly filled with. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a crowded spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you choose to hide your keys there be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little bit distracted. You might be running an errand and have your keys in the seat, or you might need two free hands to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to every person.

When you lose something, it is important to contact the police immediately. This way, you can file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or in a public place.

Before you do this, be sure to retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the last time you looked at your keys in your head. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and also stop other people from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always recommended to create copies of it in case this occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. There are several things you can do 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 struggling to locate them, try looking inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Lastly, call locksmiths to find out if they can help you find the keys you lost. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys at times 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 keys down for a moment to grab something but lost the track of it.

It is crucial to report i lost my car keys keys as soon as you can to the police. This creates a paper trail and can prevent people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid being fined.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file an insurance claim.

You should consider investing in an Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least would. You could be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to assist you in locating them if your keys are not in range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you come home. If it's on the table in your entryway or lost my car key on a hook near the door, making a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company right away. That way, you can rest assured that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

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

For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. It is likely that you will need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost you upwards of $200.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.