Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

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

The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, in reality, things often take a much darker turn. When you lose your keys, it's essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.

It is important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in unusual locations. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to go back and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search, as a second pair 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 such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you lost them in the store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.

It might seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It may be helpful to go through your steps again and search places where you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. A lot of times, things go missing when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and you're eager to get home, put on your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.

While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered 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 popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys there be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.

4. Contact the police

It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up the food items. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.

If you have lost my car key (click the up coming document) something, it's important to contact the police immediately. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from theft. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or in a public place.

Before you begin, be sure to go back to your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your mind. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Call for a locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they are busy or distracted. Luckily, there are some things you can do to aid.

Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, check the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor and it's worth having a quick look.

Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys from time to time and it can cause you to lose your day. It could be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you put your key down for a second to grab something and lost the keys to my car track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost car key no spare key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid being fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You could be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the future. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you locate them if you are not in range.

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

8. Get a New Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.

It could be more difficult for cars that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. This can cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your car.

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.