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. In the event of this happening, it's important to be prepared.

You should contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However the situation could be more serious. When you lose your keys, it's essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. To do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search for you, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you lost them in the store, ask others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw anything out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might appear obvious, but you should take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets you have on you, including those in purses and jackets and check every zippered space. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bins in the event that your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.

You could also retrace your steps and search places where you know it isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items are lost when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and just want to get home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys under the car be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

We are prone to lose things when we're distracted. You may be running an errand and have your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands free to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to all of us.

When you lose something, it's important to contact the police away. This way, you can submit a claim and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost my spare car key outside of your house or at the store or somewhere else public.

Before you begin ensure that you follow your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you saw them. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in costs like new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Call an expert locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple tips you can use to aid.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching for the areas you believe they may be. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it can make your day miserable. It could be that you were running an run and forgot to put them on the seat or perhaps you put your keys down for a moment to grab something but lost the track of it.

It's important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also help you avoid getting penalized.

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

You should consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the headache of replacing lost keys to a car your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You could be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on your phone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in finding them in case your keys are not in reach.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter if you put them in an entry table or a hook by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. That way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain chips) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

It could be more difficult for vehicles with an electronic key and lost my spare car key an electronic fob. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Based on the model and make of your car, this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key lost to keep it somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.