Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first phone call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). In reality the situation could be much more grave. When you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. To accomplish this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for you, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they noticed something unusual.

It may seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Take out all pockets that you carry around, including those in jackets and purses and feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bins in case keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.

While you're retracing your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You can also put your keys in a busy space, like the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys there, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Call the police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to all.

When you lose something, it's important to notify the police right away. You can then make a police report to protect your car from theft. This step is especially important if your keys are lost car keys no spare outside your home at the grocery store, or in a public place.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you saw your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few easy ways to aid.

Begin by retracing your steps and looking for areas you think you might have left them. If you're unable to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth taking a look.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take several days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a massive impact on your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to take a look at something and then lost track.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without permission. It also stops you from being penalized.

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 to confirm that you're insured prior to filing a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be running an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and not remember the place you put them.

There are ways to prevent this happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your phone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to assist you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to assist you in finding the keys if they are not in range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same place every time you come home. Whether it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, Misplaced making the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain chips) you can get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

It might be more difficult for vehicles with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you lose things.