Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to be prepared.
You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design a replacement key for 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 anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls 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 would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality, things often take a much darker direction. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.
It is important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in strange places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you search, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them in the store, ask other customers or workers to determine if they saw something unusual.
It might seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once time and look around for areas where you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. A lot of times, things disappear when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and binge watch your favorite show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a messy spot such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those places.
Under car key lost no spare is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys there be sure you can 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 put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we're 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 groceries. It happens to every person.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is important in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or any other place in public.
Before you do this make sure you go back to your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last saw them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car secure and also stop other people from using it (which could lead to additional costs such as new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are some actions you can take to aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas where you think they might be. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth a quick look in there.
Finally, contact an locksmith to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys at times and it can cause you to lose your day. It could be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down for a moment 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 trail and helps keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being punished.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you're insured prior to filing an insurance claim.
Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate 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 can lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long working day and not remember where you placed keys.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the future. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in finding the keys if they are out of reach.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in an table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to notify your insurance company immediately. So you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not have chips) you can purchase an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.
For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You will likely have go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office especially in areas where you are likely to lose things.