Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.

Depending on the vehicle you have, Lost car keys cost the first call you must 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 frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). However, in reality, things often take a much darker direction. It is essential to keep your cool and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. To accomplish this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to help you search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you lost them in a store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense but it is important to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the recycling and trash bins in the event that 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, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many items get lost car key replacement when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and are eager to go home, put on your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. You can also put your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up an empty bag of food items. It happens to every person.

If you have lost something, it's important to contact the police away. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Before you begin, be sure to retrace your steps. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last saw your keys in your mind. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and prevent other people from using it (which could result in additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.

5. Contact a locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are, however, some things you can do to assist.

Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have left them. If you're unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it could ruin your day. It might be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the floor or perhaps you put your keys down for a moment to grab something, but lost the track of it.

It's important to report lost car Keys cost keys immediately to the police. This creates a paper trail and can keep people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to check with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an claim.

Consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be on an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long working day and forget the place you put keys.

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that others can assist you to locate them if they are lost.

You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if put them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can purchase an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get a new key. This could cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.