Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this eventuality.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unsavory phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.
key car lost is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, in reality, things can take a darker turn. If you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and follow the steps.
It's important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they are often found in some very strange places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost them at the store, talk to others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed something unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may appear obvious but it is important to be thorough. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It may be helpful to retrace your steps once again and look for places you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items are lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and you're eager to go home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.
While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. You could also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys in the seat, or you might require two hands to carry a load of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.
When you lose something, it is important to notify the police right immediately. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from theft. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.
Before you start ensure that you follow your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you saw your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in case this happens to you again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, some things you can do to help.
Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from their keychains or the visor and it's worth having a quick look.
Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your car keys at times and it could ruin your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or perhaps you put your keys down for a second to grab something but lost track of it.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from getting punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you're covered prior to making a claim.
Think about investing in an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the stress of having to replace your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
There are ways to prevent this happening again. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on the phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to assist you in finding 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 out of range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter if put them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. This way, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not contain a chip) you can get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get a new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.