Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.
You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They 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 anxiety and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality, things can take a darker direction. It is essential to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.
It may seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry including purses and jackets, and make sure to check every zippered space. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and look for places you know they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things disappear when we reach for them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're walking around take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you close the door.
4. Call the Police
It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might require two hands free to carry a load of groceries. It happens to all of us.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house, at the store, or in a public place.
Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last looked at your keys in your mind. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help to keep your car safe and stop others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs such as new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.
5. Call a Locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are several actions you can take to assist.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and searching in the places you believe they may have been left. If you're unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Contact lost my car key and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have put them down to take a look at something and lost track.
It's important to report lost keys immediately to the police. This creates a paper trail and can prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from being penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered prior to making a claim.
You should consider purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and give you 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 time. You could be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they aren't in range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if put them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be assured that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.
For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a bit more challenging. It is likely that you will need go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.