What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. Things can get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.

The most important thing to keep in mind is not to get in a state of panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.

1. Retract Your Steps

It's no secret that keys are the most frequently misplaced items. Whether you're running an errand and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day and forget your keys in a rush it could happen to anyone. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.

The first step is to go back and trace your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you went following that. It might also be helpful to write down your steps so that you can refer back to them later on.

If you have searched in the most obvious places but can't locate your keys you may need to look in different places. Check your pockets and bags and the home. Be aware that your keys may be located nearby, but not in a place you'd expect. It can also be helpful to locate your keys in the vicinity of other items they are typically associated with, such as laptops or purses.

If you've tried everything but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. But before you do, try some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:

2. Get a Spare Key

Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear from pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or just disappear completely. In the past it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to find an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in technology for key fobs, it's become much more difficult to obtain an alternative for keys that have been lost.

It is recommended to always have an extra car key in the go. A spare key can save you from calling an tow truck and make getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your keys much easier. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain to ensure it's not as easy to lose. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already own one. This will decrease the possibility of losing your keys.

It is common to have a traditional car key lost made at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on the model of your car. It is important to remember that the dealer will need to program the key to fit your vehicle.

A majority of modern cars are equipped with an entry system that lets you unlock the car using a remote control device. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only way to start your car again is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and ask them to connect a new fob to your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same spot each when you return home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.

3. Empty Your Pockets

Losing your car keys can be an extremely painful experience. You might feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys.

Luckily, panicking won't help you locate your keys - and it may even make things worse. Try to remain calm and use the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.

Begin by going back through your day and recollecting where you last saw them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to search all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you took to determine whether they were found other than your pocket. Finally, you can always look inside your car to determine whether they've been abandoned there, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior of your vehicle.

If you have searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge to find your keys. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances, and look around the inside, as you never know where tiny items may have been hiding.

Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another great way to prevent losing them. This will allow you to keep track of them, as well as making them harder to lose because of the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or Nearby chain. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright color so that they stand out against other items in your bag or pockets.

4. Call the police

The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon you lose them to ensure you don't have any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or coming into your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss in the early stages will also help you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys at the dealership.

They'll let you know if they've found your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. They'll also offer some advice on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll probably ask you for details about the date you lost them, and where you were prior to that.

Check your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry the key. After you've done that then go back through your day and try to recall where you lost them. It's possible you put them down on a counter, or reached into your bag to find something, and the keys were thrown out.

This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. This could cost a few hundreds of dollars, based on the car's model and brand. model. You can also call GEICO for emergency roadside assistance and is available via the GEICO app. This service will save your time and money by providing a mobile locksmith for you.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

If you're out running errands and leave your car keys in the trunk for just a second, they can easily disappear. This scenario is frequent, considering that keys are the third-most misplaced item in the United States1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from occurring. However, you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.

The use of a spare key may aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys which makes it easier to locate.

If you are unable to locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will come and replace a lost car key them. If you are able to provide proof of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith will be able create a key for you.

Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, however if you have an electronic key or a remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key for you. You can also buy replacement keys on the internet. However, make sure you verify that the key can be programmed to your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience however it does not have to be. If you follow the suggestions listed above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Keep calm and do not be in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some point.