Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be replace lost car keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. If this happens, it's important to be prepared.

Based on the model of your car the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.

The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). But, in reality, things often take a much more dire direction. It is crucial to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is also important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in odd locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after retracing your steps and checking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may appear obvious however, you must do it thoroughly. Take out all pockets that you carry around, including those in purses and jackets, and make sure to check every zippered space. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items get lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are filled with. You can also put your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to hide your keys there, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also hide your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to grab an empty bag of food items. It happens to everyone.

When you lose something, it is important to call the police right away. This way, you can submit a claim and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you seen them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will help keep your car secure and also stop others from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it is always recommended to create an exact copy of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic ways to assist.

Begin by retracing your steps and looking for Lost Car Keys Cost To Replace areas you think you might have left them. If you're unable to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth having a quick look.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a huge downer on your day. You might have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to take a look at something and then Lost My Car Keys What Do I Do track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This creates a paper trail and helps to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid being punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before you file a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with 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 would. You might be out for 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.

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you find them if they are out of range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. If it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, keeping an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which doesn't have chip) you can simply get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive alternative.

It could be more difficult for vehicles with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll need to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office, especially the place that you tend to drop things.